In response to the news that Beau Biden would not be running for the Senate in Delaware, NRSC spokesman Colin Reed said:

“Clearly, Beau Biden’s decision not to run for the United States Senate represents a major recruiting setback for national Democrats, who have been counting on his candidacy to keep the Vice President’s former seat in Democrat control. As we saw in Massachusetts last week, voters clearly stated that these seats belong to the people – not to either political party or dynasty. Voters want independent-minded leaders who will put their interests first and not simply serve as a rubberstamp for the out-of-control spending and big government agenda that we’ve witnessed in Washington under the Democrats’ control. Congressman Mike Castle has a proven record of independence and bipartisanship that puts him in a strong position to win this seat in November.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

DSCC Chairman Robert Menendez Privately Assured Donors That Biden Would Run. “Biden, however, has lain low. He’s spending time with his family. He’s concentrating on his day job. And Menendez has gone mum, though he is privately assuring donors that the Biden candidacy is a go. During a recent sweep through New York City, Menendez ran into one of the party’s most reliable fundraisers. The two Democrats shared intel about contested seats around the country. ‘And what about Delaware?’ the fundraiser, who asked not to be quoted revealing the details of a private conversation, asked. ‘Biden will take care of that,’ said Menendez.” (Jason Horowitz, “After War, A Biden’s New Battle,” The Washington Post, 10/23/09)

“Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Robert Menendez Of New Jersey Said Thursday He Fully Expects Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden To Run Next Year For The Seat Now Held By Democratic Sen. Ted Kaufman. ‘Beau Biden has been a great attorney general; he served his country with distinction in Iraq, but above all, I think he will be a great United States senator,’ Menendez said in an interview with CongressDaily.” (Erin McPike, “Menendez Says DSCC Preparing For Biden Senate Candidacy,” Congress Daily, 10/2/09)

Menendez: “Our Expectation Is That Beau Biden Will Run.” “Republican Rep. Mike Castle- who has won 12 statewide races in Delaware as lieutenant governor, governor and as the state’s lone member of Congress – is running for the Senate seat that Biden held for 36 years. Menendez is counting on the vice president’s son, who is also Delaware’s attorney general. ‘Our expectation is that Beau Biden will run,’ the senator said.” (Kathy Kiely, “Can Senate Democrats Keep Edge In ‘10?,” USA Today, 1/7/10)

“‘We Fully Hope And Expect Beau To Run For The Senate, And We Are Prepared To Commit The Necessary Resources To Keep This Seat. Considering his recent service in Iraq, we understand and appreciate the time he is spending with his family as he makes this determination,’ said Eric Schultz, communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.” (Donald Lambro, “Biden Mum On Run For Senate Seat,” The Washington Times, 12/8/09)

“‘We Still Fully Hope And Expect Beau Biden To Run,’ said Eric Schultz, a spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. ‘It’s critical that we hold on to the vice president’s seat, so we’re going to make sure that state has the resources that it needs in order to win.’” (Greg Giroux, “What’s Plan B If Biden Doesn’t Run In Delaware?,” Roll Call, 12/15/09)