Terry R. Spence - 2000 Gubernatorial Race

2000 Gubernatorial Race

In 1991 and 1995, Spence explored the possibility of running for Governor in the elections of the following years, but in both cases opted not to challenge popular Democrat Tom Carper. Due to this, Celia Cohen, in her book Only in Delaware, referred to Spence as the "odd numbered year candidate."

In 2000, however, Spence decided to run for Governor and entered the Republican gubernatorial primary. Unfortunately, Spence’s past record of support for labor worked against him as the support of the party’s hierarchy and the state’s business leaders quickly coalesced around Chairman of the state Chamber of Commerce and former State House Majority Leader John M. Burris. Due to an inability to raise campaign funds, Spence withdrew from the race before the September primary election in order to run for reelection to the House. Spence endorsed Burris, the eventual Republican nominee, who went on to lose the general election to then Lieutenant Governor Ruth Ann Minner.