Thomas Sharp (politician)
Thomas Sharp | |
|---|---|
Sharp in 2012 | |
| President pro tempore of the Delaware Senate | |
| In office 1997–2002 | |
| Preceded by | Richard S. Cordrey |
| Succeeded by | Thurman Adams Jr. |
| Majority leader of the Delaware Senate | |
| In office 1978–1996 | |
| Member of the Delaware Senate from the 20th district | |
| In office 1974–2002 | |
| Succeeded by | Karen E. Peterson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 8, 1940 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Judy |
Thomas B. Sharp (born March 8, 1940) is an American politician from the state of Delaware. He served in the Delaware State Senate for the 20th district from 1974 to 2002, including as president pro tem from 1997 to 2002 and as majority leader from 1978 to 1996.
Political career
Sharp was the Democratic nominee in the 1980 Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, losing to Republican candidate Mike Castle.
Delaware State Senate
Sharp was first elected to the Delaware State Senate in 1974, then served as Majority Leader from 1978 to 1996 and president pro tem from 1997 to 2002. He did not seek re-election in 2002.
His 1982 campaign was described as "rock-bottom in a campaign for a state Senate seat" by historian Celia Cohen; supporters of both Sharp and his Republican opponent John Czerwinski repeatedly destroyed each candidates' yard signs and Czerwinski's pet rabbit was found dead.[1]
In 1989, Sharp supported bringing back public whipping for criminals charged with drug trafficking.[2]
Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor
In 2005, governor Ruth Ann Minner appointed Sharp as secretary of the state Department of Labor, where he served until 2009.[3]
References
- ^ Cohen, Celia (January 1, 2002). Only in Delaware: Politics and politicians in the first state (PDF). Grapevine Publishing. p. 293. ASIN B0006S3PP8. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ Troy, Tom (January 26, 1989). "Lawmaker recommends whipping post for drug traffickers". United Press International. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ Loudell, Allen (January 5, 2009). "Assessing Ruth Ann Minner". WDEL (AM). Retrieved May 25, 2025.