Delaware State Treasurer Chip Flowers is expected to get a challenge from Governor Jack Markell’s policy director.
Sean Barney officially jumped into the race against the embattle official who saw the governor sign into law last week a measure that gives power over the state’s $2 billion cash portfolio to an appointed board instead of Flowers.
Barney told WDEL that he wants to restore integrity to the office.
And Markell issued a statement calling Barney a valuable member and respects his decision to run but added he will not endorse anyone in the primary.
Barney admits that he expects to have an uphill battle against an incumbent like Flowers in the September primary.
Republican Ken Simpler has also entered the race for state treasurer.
Legislation
Governor Jack Markell signed a measure that would limit the involvement of the state Treasurer Chip Flowers in the management of the state’s $2 billion cash portfolio.
The law was signed quietly last Friday.
It outlines the authority of the Cash Management Policy Board in overseeing the investment of the state’s cash portfolio and Flower’s responsibilities – even if he disagrees with its decision.
Flowers responded by saying that for Valentine’s Day he had given the people of Delaware over $44 million in returns for their money, while the governor has given the Treasury to the Cash Board and the people proposals for higher taxes.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that Flowers has also been involved in a battle with state budget official over travel expenses for his former deputy and has repeatedly clashed with the board while opposing the measure for giving too much power to an appointed board.
