Political Hotsheet
October 15, 2009 10:47 AM

Beau Biden Inches Toward Senate Run

(AP Photo)
Beau Biden, the son of Vice President Joe Biden, has indicated that he is leaning toward running for the Senate seat held by his father for 36 years.

In an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America," the Delaware Attorney General said he was "absolutely" considering running for the seat in next year's elections.

But Biden isn't ready to definitely commit to a run yet. Before he makes the final decision, Biden said in the interview that he wanted to spend more time with his family and resume work in his current job. Biden has spent the last year on a tour of duty with the Army National Guard in Iraq.

"There's time to make that decision," Biden said. "First things first -- make sure I focus on my family, focus on my job."

If he runs, it would not be unexpected. Many speculated that the 40-year-old Biden would run after Ted Kaufman, a former longtime aide for Joe Biden, was appointed to the Senate in January. The 70-year-old Kaufman has said he is not going to run for a full term.

"Look am I considering it – absolutely, absolutely," he added. "But I'll be making the decision in due course."

Although Beau Biden would come into the race with considerable name recognition, the campaign would not be a cakewalk for him by any means. Popular Republican Rep. Mike Castle's announcement last week that he would run already indicated that the campaign would be a battle for any Democrat to hold onto the seat. The formal introduction of Biden into the race will make this one even more interesting to watch next year.
Tags:
Beau Biden ,
Joe Biden ,
Mike Castle
Topics:
Campaign 2010
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by Henri_Rochard October 15, 2009 1:14 PM EDT
What? Do the politicians consider themselves to be royalty? I thought we kicked the kings and royalty out a couple of centuries ago.
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by AOCGUY October 16, 2009 6:43 AM EDT
Royalty? He isn't asking to be annointed, he has simply indicated that it might run. If he people of Delaware don't want him they will vote for the other guy. Looks to me since he is the State's Attourney General that the people have already elected him at least once. And say what you want about his military service, by putting on the uniform, he has done more than the majority of Americans his age. Despite what appears to be a large number of troops with combat experience (rear area or otherwise) they still comprise a very small percentage of the overall US population.
by stn_sage October 15, 2009 12:55 PM EDT
If good, effective statesmanship and political leadership ran in families, then I'd be thrilled to hear that Beau Biden wants to run for office!

But, from what I can tell...and have observed, that is NOT the case!

I tend to believe just the opposite...you don't get change, new ideas and solutions, from people who are likely committed to the same policies as their predecessors and family members!

I favor 'fresh blood' over 'insider blood', but wish him luck anyway!
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by GTR5 October 15, 2009 11:36 AM EDT
Please! Not another Bidon in office.
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by bpai99 October 15, 2009 11:29 AM EDT
Personally, I think there should be a legal moratorium against family members running for an elected office previously held by a family member, lasting for at least 10 years or (better) for a generation.

Sure, we might lose some capable candidates because of this, but we'd be spared many more lesser, incompetent heirs whose only qualification for an office is their family name (and fortune). Dynastic succession is completely contrary to the American ideal of self-achievement and individual merit.

We don't hold sons accountable for the sins of their fathers, why should they be given extra consideration because of the same?
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by sbelknap01 October 15, 2009 4:44 PM EDT
I understand your point, but as long as we, the voters, are easily swayed by a popular name (and we are) then 'name recognition' will matter. The reason against a moratorium is that it doesn't impact on other non-related candidates with high name recognition - actors and actresses being the obvious example. Can't pass a law that says 'you can't run if you're already famous' - let Beau give it a shot.

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