The Committee of 100 | Meeting Notes

The other statewide races in Delaware this year may be yawners, but not the race for Attorney General. That is probably not because most Delawareans know that the State Constitution of 1897 not only made the Attorney General's position a 4-year elective office, but also, third in line of succession to the Governorship.

Although Delaware may have more Ph.D.s per capita than most other places on the planet, most residents are not focused on succession. It is also not merely the importance of the office. There are other races for other important offices this year, e.g., U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representative. It is, rather, the personalities, coupled with the contest, that has given this race its edge.

When Jane Brady was first elected as Attorney General in 1994, she became the first woman ever to serve as Delaware Attorney General. Prior to her election, Jane had served as a Criminal Prosecutor from 1977 to 1990, 1987-1990 as Chief Prosecutor in Sussex County. After restructuring the Civil Division, her tenure as AG has focused on legislation directed at violent criminals and advocacy for victims of crime, especially children and the elderly. In May 2002 she testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging regarding her programs to address the financial exploitation of the elderly.

Carl Schnee has spent more than 30 years in private practice, litigating cases in all of Delaware's courts. In 1987 he was honored with the Outstanding Service Award in Criminal Justice by the Delaware Council on Crime and Justice. In 1992 he was honored by the Herbert Harley American Judicater Society for his Aoutstanding performance in promoting the effective administration of justice. He was a partner in the law firm of Prickett, Jones, Elliott, Kristol & Schnee when he was appointed U.S. Attorney for Delaware by President Clinton in 1999. Carl is currently a partner in the Wilmington office of Duane Morris LLP.

Jane and Carl will each address the membership and then respond to questions submitted in advance by members of The Committee of 100. You may send your questions to bbaxter@committeeof100.com.