despite his conservative views, raymond long supported democrat jack markell more out of loyalty than because of political views. as a boy, markell grew up seven houses away from the raymonds and the two remained friends. when markell ran for state treasurer, raymond taped radio ads supporting him. in 2007, markell named raymond an honorary co-chair of his 2008 gubernatorial bid. markell became the 73rd governor of delaware in january 2009.