Character war introduces new test for Carper - The News Journal

Jason Mycoff, a political science professor at the University of Delaware, says incumbents typically have strong advantages, especially over newcomers like Pires and Wade with little in the way of a political coalition or infrastructure.

Theyve got six years in office to build their organization to reach out to the community, to create those bonds, the bonds of trust with voters, Mycoff said. Any challenger is really behind the eight-ball trying to match that kind of organization.

Then 29, Carper was first elected in 1976 as Delawares treasurer. In 1982, he won the first of five two-year terms in Congress. Carper returned to Delaware to successfully run for governor in 1992, served two terms and was elected to the Senate in 2000 by toppling longtime Republican Sen. Bill Roth.

Pires argues that many years in office have tainted Carper.

I didnt need this. I didnt want this. I tried to get somebody to run against Tom Carper because I think Tom Carper was probably a good legislator 15, 20 years ago. Hes become what they all become when theyre there too long. They become horribly corrupt, Pires said.

Pires has stopped campaigning in the wake of regional damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. I am using my resources and my time to purchase large quantities of food and have it tractor-trailered to the American Red Cross distribution centers in New Jersey, working hand-in-hand with officials of the Delmarva Red Cross, Pires said in a statement.

Pires has criticized Carper for supporting higher credit card swipe fees, which benefit banks to the detriment of merchants, and pushed last year to delay implementation of lower swipe fees in the Dodd-Frank regulatory bill, which the senator supported.

Carper defends his votes, saying he works toward compromise but ultimately favored sweeping new financial regulations opposed by big banks. Carper added that its natural for banks to give to his campaign , considering their overwhelming presence as an employer in Wilmington.

If you look at our economy here in our state, there they are, Carper said. The reason why theyre doing this is because they find that this is a place with a pretty good economic climate and a nurturing environment for job creation. Does it mean we agree with them all of the time? We dont. I supported the Credit Card Act. Did they like that? No. I supported Dodd-Frank. Did they like that? No. But in the end it was fair.