Tipping the Gateway poll
A message originating from concernedburnabyresident@hotmail.com was forwarded to Burnaby Politics late Thursday evening, a few hours after the initial e-mail. The message, intended to push the poll towards the pro-Gateway side, reads:
Not that much of note, but remember online polls serve little purpose as this happens to nearly all of them if someone actually cares enough to jolt the poll in one direction or another.
If you support the Provincial government's twinning of the Port Mann Bridge & widening of the freeway and you are opposed to the Bby NDP Mayor refusing to cooperate with the Province on the Gateway transportation project… …then, PLEASE vote "no" in this poll:
Vote here if you wish… http://www.burnabynewsleader.com/
Not that much of note, but remember online polls serve little purpose as this happens to nearly all of them if someone actually cares enough to jolt the poll in one direction or another.
posted by Robert Burnaby at 1:35 AM
39 Comments:
Guess Brian is shilling again.
He used to send out similar emails profusely during polls on CKNW and so forth.
It's a waste of time to participate, espcially with the Gateway Project as it is going ahead anyway.
BB got fired from the Libs for doing this.
Cant teach an old dog new tricks.
Gateway is a done deal. Why do people like BB continue to waste their talents like this?
This guy used to run large businesses, quite successfully.
Maybe he didnt read the article in
the news about politics not being a
good career move.
Look at Cunningham sitting in his sad little office up on Hastings
patiently waiting to be declared
a three-time loser. He has an
MBA and used to be an investment
banker before he "got the bug".
Maybe its something in the water, air, or food.
As for BB, two of those businesses went tummy up.
But the more fun aspect is with Billy Boy Cunningham. Does he still have that office out on lease that he started in May? We're approaching November and still no election.
Gazooks, with an MBA, he threw away a climbing career at TD Bank to be a candidate?
He's gambling that the federal Liberals will win and he'll make Cabinet in the first round.
He wanted 7's.
He's coming up snake eyes.
He's wanting three 7's. Takes a spin...
ends up with two oranges and a pomegrant.
Takes another spin. C'mon 7's..
ends up with two bars and an apple.
Takes the third spin. This time, yes..
ends up with two pomegrants and an orange..
As a former investment banker, wouldnt it put him to shame shall Bill Siksay raise more money than he does or had Bill Siksay already done that. But politics is a funny business anyway I am sure as an investment banker, like Al Gore, he had calculated the rate of return on his investment and done all the risk assessment.
But certainly there is nothing wrong running for Ottawa with an MBA, PhD, or MD for that matter. The German Chancellor herself has a PhD in chemistry and let us not forget about GWB’s Harvard MBA. If they stand for talents in politics is totally something else. But with Bill Cunningham widely speculated to lose by landslide and about to place himself into the political obscurity, which is a huge fall from his star candidate status three years ago. No worries however as Martin appointees in 2004 can always switch parties within seconds and become prominent anyway.
I wonder, however, if people including Bill Cunningham himself, ever thinks about uniting to finally put a government party candidate in the office and finally bring some federal money back to Burnaby for our seriously under-funded our transit system.
As a former investment banker, wouldnt it put him to shame shall Bill Siksay raise more money than he does or had Bill Siksay already done that. But politics is a funny business anyway I am sure as an investment banker, like Al Gore, he had calculated the rate of return on his investment and done all the risk assessment.
But certainly there is nothing wrong running for Ottawa with an MBA, PhD, or MD for that matter. The German Chancellor herself has a PhD in chemistry and let us not forget about GWB’s Harvard MBA. If they stand for talents in politics is totally something else. Bill Cunningham, widely speculated to lose by a landslide, is about to place himself into political obscurity, which is a huge fall from his star candidate status three years ago. No worries however as Martin appointees in 2004 can always switch parties within seconds and become prominent anyway.
I wonder, however, if people including Bill Cunningham himself, ever thinks about uniting to finally put a government party candidate in the office and finally bring some federal money back to Burnaby for our seriously under-funded transit system.
"But certainly there is nothing wrong running for Ottawa with an MBA, PhD, or MD for that matter. The German Chancellor herself has a PhD in chemistry and let us not forget about GWB’s Harvard MBA."
True, but there's a big difference between Billy Boy and Merkel and GWB. They actually won in an election. Billy boy hasn't won much of anything except a preplanned and preset nomination contest.
I'd put Merkel ahead of GWB in terms of credibility any day.
"If they stand for talents in politics is totally something else."
Billy Boy has talent?
"But with Bill Cunningham widely speculated to lose by landslide and about to place himself into the political obscurity, which is a huge fall from his star candidate status three years ago."
He wasn't a 'star candidate'. He was a handpicked one, who never went through a real nomination contest, the kind which really tests a candidate's determination and resolve to win. He was practically given the riding.
"o worries however as Martin appointees in 2004 can always switch parties within seconds and become prominent anyway."
The federal Liberals should get rid of this internal feud between the Martinites and the Dioniques.
" wonder, however, if people including Bill Cunningham himself, ever thinks about uniting to finally put a government party candidate in the office and finally bring some federal money back to Burnaby for our seriously under-funded our transit system."
Don't need to unite. Just vote for the candidate of the governing party, and forget those who represent the opposition parties such as the federal Liberals and NDP.
Federal money can be had, but there's money needed to fix and improve infrastructure all across the Great White North, not just Burnaby.
Get the riding candidate in, get him in Ottawa and tell him to get his butt in gear, forget schmoozing and get busy sending federal money back to B.C.
The federal Liberals can keep busy finding the correct leader they need such as Iggy and dump shop worn political types such as Mariessen and get some new fresh talent running the federal Liberals in B.C.
Dion has been a disaster.
Iggy might be worse than Dion.
I hope the Libs take the bait and go for him after the next election.
I will be an exactor moving towards a quinella for the other parties.
You mean vector don't you Quinella is a bacterium, don't know if it's infectious.
If it is, then it might be good for the federal Liberals.
Iggy would proabably be better than Dion, but it comes back to the old Martinites vs. Chretieniste
battle fronts.
"Don't need to unite. Just vote for the candidate of the governing party, and forget those who represent the opposition parties.".
When's the last time Bill Siksay or Derek ever had a mandate to represent or govern? I would also challenge the people in the riding to name one legacy Svend has left in our city.
With all the backstabbing going on both inside and outside the party, (have you see the last Harper recruitment just last week? ) am I the only one who feels how eerily calm and, worse, early his nomination contest/acclimation? Is Bill naively thinking that most of his liberal supporters actually foresee his victory less than a year or are they just trying to make sure this will be his last fall from Mt. P-Martin. Would it feel better to be backstabbed or to backstab someone else?
So what if Bill C. does decide to back the tory candidate, yes, for the next few years, liberal party will simply treat him just like they way they treated David Emerson, a little bit of scolding here and there, but with about one percent of the ammunition. Worse, they may simply ignore him just like how he will be treated once he loses his third election in a row to become a laughing stock for Bill Siksay and his supporters instead of the other way around. But if that means bring money to fund the skytrain extension? Then by all means, do it, instead of kidding himself thinking he will ever get into the cabinet under a Dion/Iggy government.
When's the last time Bill Siksay or Derek ever had a mandate to represent or govern?
Bill Siskay, January 2006 was the last time he was granted a mandate to govern as he won the majority of ballots cast for the representative for the federal riding of Burnaby Douglas. The outcome was certifed as correct by the Returning Officer.
Derek Corrigan, November 2005 was the last time he was granted a mandate to govern, as he won the majority of the ballots cast for Mayor in an election, the result certified as correct by the City Returning Officer and City Clerk.
In these two instances, the mandates are rewarded to those who get the most valid votes.
Democracy is a real bitch when you lose.
"I would also challenge the people in the riding to name one legacy Svend has left in our city."
That's an easy one, Bill Siskay.
"With all the backstabbing going on both inside and outside the party, (have you see the last Harper recruitment just last week? ) am I the only one who feels how eerily calm and, worse, early his nomination contest/acclimation? Is Bill naively thinking that most of his liberal supporters actually foresee his victory less than a year or are they just trying to make sure this will be his last fall from Mt. P-Martin. Would it feel better to be backstabbed or to backstab someone else?
The Liberals have had the knives out amongst themselves for quite some time. They have a tendedncy to commit political homicide on themselves.
So what if Bill C. does decide to back the tory candidate, yes, for the next few years, liberal party will simply treat him just like they way they treated David Emerson, a little bit of scolding here and there, but with about one percent of the ammunition.
Why would Billy Boy do that? He won't of course, he would have to abandon his bid as being candidate as the Liberals would not tolerate one of theirs endorsing one of "them".
"Worse, they may simply ignore him just like how he will be treated once he loses his third election in a row to become a laughing stock for Bill Siksay and his supporters instead of the other way around."
So what? Billy Boy hasn't done much except be the receipient of political privilege.
"But if that means bring money to fund the skytrain extension? Then by all means, do it, instead of kidding himself thinking he will ever get into the cabinet under a Dion/Iggy government."
it won't bring money to the SkyTrain extension. The Tories aren't about to listen to a two time loser who isn't even a member of their party.
Besides there are other locations which could use infrastructure money other than building The Evergreen Line.
Actually it should be corrected to:
Bill Siskay got the right to represent, not govern.
Derek Corrigan got the right to represent and govern.
Sorry about that 8-)
Svend's legacy. It's made by De Beers?
Iggy embarrassed by Dion.
http://www.stephentaylor.ca/archives/000891.html
Dion is an embarassment to the federal Liberal Party. Big deal.
The federal Liberals need a new leader and fast.
When a party governed a country for such a long period of time, it is no surprise to anyone that people are willing to back-stab each other to get to power. But what is more sad is to see people who back stab each for the power that apparently Canadians wont grant them at least for some time. But can Bill Cunningham really wait that long? Because many ex-liberals have already decided to switch parties because they realize that there are only so many years one can spend waiting.
"Why would Billy Boy do that? He won't of course, he would have to abandon his bid as being candidate as the Liberals would not tolerate one of theirs endorsing one of "them""
So why would he do that? Because without a preferential ballot system, that is what he has to do for the governing party to score a victory over NDP. And while he may be thrown out of the national party as David Emerson was, but without the much heated riots, but deciding to take tories up on a much friendlier terms can only help his political prospect at least for quite a few year, and what will happen afterwards is anyone's guess.
If endorsing tories can eventually unite the anti-Bill Siksay support to put a government party candidate into office and fund the extension, would not that feel a lot better than to lose for the third time in a row because depending on how badly perform, he may never be able to climb back again. Dubbed as a star candidate by the media years ago, no one blames him for thinking that he deserves a seat at the big table. But shouldnt it be time to wake up to reality and instead of trying to prevent change from happening to his riding, maybe it is time for him to decide to take a seat on the winning side and start make friends at the right places
"When a party governed a country for such a long period of time, it is no surprise to anyone that people are willing to back-stab each other to get to power."
Very true, but that isn't nesessarily true for the long time governing parties. It's a product of those within. One only has to see the back stabbing that has occured in the NDP, the BC Liberals, BC Social Credit, and yes even the BCA, Vancovuer NPA, COPE and Team Burnaby
to name a few.
"But can Bill Cunningham really wait that long? Because many ex-liberals have already decided to switch parties because they realize that there are only so many years one can spend waiting."
No many would 'switch'. People have a tendency to vote for the party of government, in other instances if the MP has done a reaonably good job, he or she will return for another term, if his/her govenment hasn't irked the voters.
"Why would Billy Boy do that? He won't of course, he would have to abandon his bid as being candidate as the Liberals would not tolerate one of theirs endorsing one of "them""
So why would he do that? Because without a preferential ballot system, that is what he has to do for the governing party to score a victory over NDP.
A perferential ballot system at the federal level is a very long way off, and it has not progressed very much at the provincial level. Ontario rejected their proposal and I am not supportive of the BC one.
"And while he may be thrown out of the national party as David Emerson was"
I don't think David Emmerson was
crying too much over that one. He saw the deck list a bit and got into the liferaft and rowed over to the Conservative ship.
"but without the much heated riots, but deciding to take tories up on a much friendlier terms can only help his political prospect at least for quite a few year, and what will happen afterwards is anyone's guess."
Seems to be more of trying to accomodate the whims of a person (Billy Boy) who doesn't really add much value. The guy hasn't won much of anything in elections since he started playing candidate.
If endorsing tories can eventually unite the anti-Bill Siksay support to put a government party candidate into office and fund the extension, would not that feel a lot better than to lose for the third time in a row because depending on how badly perform, he may never be able to climb back again.
The Tories don't like that idea, they figure either your a Conservative or your not. There would never ever be any 'unity' between the Conservatives and the federal Liberals. It just wouldn't happen. Best thing is for those who want to is to abandon the Liberals and join the Conservatives but not interlope.
"Dubbed as a star candidate by the media years ago, no one blames him for thinking that he deserves a seat at the big table."
How so? Because he worked downtown in a cushy political job? He's not
exactly cabinet material, and there are other long time Conservatives in the Lower Mainland who are far more deserving of a spot than Bill Cunningham.
"But shouldnt it be time to wake up to reality and instead of trying to prevent change from happening to his riding, maybe it is time for him to decide to take a seat on the winning side and start make friends at the right places"
That would be greeted with some suspicion and the other problem is that Bby Douglas already has a candidate lined up.
SOunds to me that someone is wanting to accomodate Bill Cunningham to give him a home of sorts.
The Tories would greet that as suspicion andmany would not like it, particularly if it ended up being a product of interference by others, such as let's say Harry Bloy and his perpetual power grabbing ways.
Ain't that easy. With the Conservatives a person has to earn the candidate's position. They don't give those out like candies like the federal Liberals do.
Bill should abandon politics and return to business.
He's welcome to join the Conservatives but should work his way up first.
he can start with the signs.
"He's welcome to join the Conservatives but should work his way up first.
he can start with the signs."
Yep that is the usual place to start if one is serious about learning how to do it. But somehow I just can't picture Bill Cunningham putting in Conservative lawn signs.
"He's welcome to join the Conservatives but should work his way up first.
he can start with the signs."
Yep that is the usual place to start if one is serious about learning how to do it. But somehow I just can't picture Bill Cunningham putting in Conservative lawn signs."
Ain't that hard. The Conservative signs are made the same way as the Liberal ones, only with a better colour. The Conservatives seem to be using a nice cool cobalt blue this time around.
If Billy Boy can't handle putting up a few Conservative signs, how is he going to do in the more advanced tasks of handling himself as a Conservative candidate in a campaign?
If he can't handle signs, there's always the getting on the knees and scrubbing the floor of the campaign office before the office equipment comes in.
"No many would 'switch'. People have a tendency to vote for the party of government, in other instances if the MP has done a reasonably good job, he or she will return for another term, if his/her government hasn't irked the voters."
But many have, in including former MLA in Richmond, former MP nomination candidate in Surrey, and no less importantly David Emerson. It simply exemplifies the kinda of enthusiasm political talents have as they start taking out tory membership. They should feel lucky that seniority really does not count much with the tories.
"There would never ever be any 'unity' between the Conservatives and the federal Liberals. It just wouldn't happen. Best thing is for those who want to is to abandon the Liberals and join the Conservatives but not interlope."
But there has been unity in both the municipal and provincial political landscape. Tories and liberals anti-Corrigan supporters have come together at the TB nomination meetings and helping each other with a hope to dominate the city council. The lack of Richard Lee's endorsement for his candidacy should give Bill Cunningham some idea as to where he stands as of now. Is Richard Lee really ready to spend money out of his pocket to get Bill Cunningham elected? In contrast to that Harry Bloy has been spending money on both sides for the sake of so called "unity" and is sucessful in turning skeptics into believers.
"Bill should abandon politics and return to business."
He has come too far to do that. While his resume would look great with the tories, he has to live with his choices running for the federal liberals. If he does decide to live through another loss, well, he will have to live with his choices down the road.
So people say he should continue running to unseat Bill Siksay while many even within his own party are expecting to see him lose by landslide, the purpose of his campaign is truly lost on me. How is switching color going to be any worse than to become irrelevant in his own party at least for some time to come as he loses the capacity to fund-raise? I would say that running with the government party like he did in 2004 will be a lot more fun against an NDP incumbent than on his own.
But many have, in including former MLA in Richmond, former MP nomination candidate in Surrey, and no less importantly David Emerson. It simply exemplifies the kinda of enthusiasm political talents have as they start taking out tory membership. They should feel lucky that seniority really does not count much with the tories.
Well in some ways it does not, but with Mr. Pepsicolca crossing from the Reformers to the Liberals, that was more of him seeking political opportunity. He never made cabinet in the Liberals.
His crossing was nothing to do with the Conservatives.
Emmerson simply saw a sinking ship and took to the lifeboat.
Well, seniority might not, but geography does. It would not mean that Billy Boy should he (surprisingly) cross over would get a Cabinet Post. It also depends whether the PMO considers him to be cabinet material or not, and he isn't cabinet material.
Emerson was and is cabinet material.
"There would never ever be any 'unity' between the Conservatives and the federal Liberals. It just wouldn't happen. Best thing is for those who want to is to abandon the Liberals and join the Conservatives but not interlope."
But there has been unity in both the municipal and provincial political landscape.
Vastly different.
There was a time when the BC Liberals were a seperate party from the far larger BC Social Credit Party, which collapsed because of VanderZalm's antics.
As for the municipal, it's usualy been conservative/liberals against the NDP because neither the provincial or federal parties carry down to the civic level in terms of explicit organization. A membership in the NDP is compulsory for membership in the BCA. Such is not true for the civic groups on the opposite side.
"Tories and liberals anti-Corrigan supporters have come together at the TB nomination meetings and helping each other with a hope to dominate the city council."
That was the idea until too many power hungry and influnce peddlers
got into it.
The lack of Richard Lee's endorsement for his candidacy should give Bill Cunningham some idea as to where he stands as of now. Is Richard Lee really ready to spend money out of his pocket to get Bill Cunningham elected?"
Why would Richard do that? Did he contribute to Cunnigham's campaign in terms of donation money last time? It's well known that Richard is federal Liberal.
In contrast to that Harry Bloy has been spending money on both sides for the sake of so called "unity" and is sucessful in turning skeptics into believers.
Harry's been playing both sides of the fence to save his ass. The guy is a hypocrite. he doesn't realise that some support for the Liberals he's been delivering can be used against the Conservatives and vice versa. It's got to be the stupidest move anyone especially an MLA can make.
"Bill should abandon politics and return to business."
He has come too far to do that.
Anyone can turn 180 degrees, just shift your weight and your feet until your facing the opposite way, then put one foot ahead of the other and repeat.
"While his resume would look great with the tories,"
Not really. Aside from working in an investment role in a bank (investment dealers are 1 for $5.00), he's also been the receipient of political goodies.
"he has to live with his choices running for the federal liberals."
As does anyone else.
"If he does decide to live through another loss, well, he will have to live with his choices down the road. "
Few people would cry in support for him over that one. The rest of us have our lives too.
"So people say he should continue running to unseat Bill Siksay while many even within his own party are expecting to see him lose by landslide, the purpose of his campaign is truly lost on me."
That's his choice to make, not anyone else's he can abandon the idea and move on to other things.
"How is switching color going to be any worse than to become irrelevant in his own party at least for some time to come as he loses the capacity to fund-raise?"
Smply becuase it makes him look like an opportunist and as someone already said, Bby Douglas Tories already have a candidate in mind.
Who would want a two time loser to come in and run for their party??
"I would say that running with the government party like he did in 2004 will be a lot more fun against an NDP incumbent than on his own."
and the federal Liberals didn't do any thing for him in 2004? He ran on his own like he was an independent? Get real.
In fact he did run with the government party in 2004, and lost.
That says quite a bit, doesn't it?
No one is close to suggesting that Bill Cunningham should replace the tory candidate as that is simply not feasible. Rather, to consolidate the anti-Bill Siksay votes, the only way is to break with the liberal ranks and endorse the tory candidate so he can actually play a factor in the battle between NDP and the government party.
The constant denial for unity between liberals and tories have put Svend Robinson & Co. in Ottawa for way too long, for someone who represented Burnaby for over two decades, one cant even find the legacy Svend has left for us and now less than three years after his departure from representing us he is in Europe? That does say a lot about the kind of detachment NDP has with local constituents.
So let us look into why are federal tories and liberals always in conflict? Essentially it is all about the quest for power. But on provincial and municipal level, both sides have already reached a consensus that the only way to get to power is to devise a plan that will actually get them close enough to it. Both sides have succeeded provincially, not only in the case of Harry Bloy and Richard Lee, we can also see it in the case of Carole Taylor and the Fraser Vally tories, and certainly no less in the case of Team Burnaby. Governance by cooperation is certainly becoming fashionable and because of that, BCL will continue to recruit liberals and Gordon Campbell will preside over Vancouver 2010.
So how should that principle be applied to federal politics? It really depends on what kind of a role Bill Cunningham sees for himself in the race to replace Bill Siksay now for the first time as the opposition party candidate. His Liberal Party southern counterpart has already decided to put her time into better use than to spend money on an un-winnable race to Ottawa's backbench.
Bill has spent so much time on his own campaign by now, he must know his chance and my suggestion is that he should really think about how to put his time, effort and passion for politics into better use than trying to run a campaign that is going to make me contemplate deeply why he decided to run in the first place.
"No one is close to suggesting that Bill Cunningham should replace the tory candidate as that is simply not feasible."
Impossible would be a better word.
"Rather, to consolidate the anti-Bill Siksay votes, the only way is to break with the liberal ranks and endorse the tory candidate so he can actually play a factor in the battle between NDP and the government party."
Sorry wouldn't work. He would have to either run as an independent or drop out entirely. Even then he would have to keep his distance from the Conservative campaign, as Conservatives do not generally like outsiders.
"The constant denial for unity between liberals and tories have put Svend Robinson & Co. in Ottawa for way too long, for someone who represented Burnaby for over two decades,"
You'd never get Conservatives or Liberals to run a so-called unity candidate. It never happened in the past and won't in the future as the two parties are completely different.
"one cant even find the legacy Svend has left for us and now less than three years after his departure from representing us he is in Europe?"
His legacy is actually one that wasn't seen. He was a model MP, despite his idiotic politicial opinions. Many people - Conservatives and Liberals alike voted for him. The results that he got were not 100% from the NDP.
"That does say a lot about the kind of detachment NDP has with local constituents."
Actually it was the reverse. Robinson despite his publicity hounding was a model MP. He provided superior service to the constituents and he was rewarded in getting re-elected.
"So let us look into why are federal tories and liberals always in conflict?"
Essentially it is all about the quest for power. But on provincial and municipal level, both sides have already reached a consensus that the only way to get to power is to devise a plan that will actually get them close enough to it."
Not exactly true. It's been the building of Harry Bloy, not the efforts of banding all federal Liberal and all federal Conservative riding associations and all BC Liberal provincial riding associations together. The last time that actually came close to happening was in the 1980's.
"Both sides have succeeded provincially, not only in the case of Harry Bloy and Richard Lee, we can also see it in the case of Carole Taylor and the Fraser Vally tories,"
That's a bit odd since Carole Tayor is federal Liberal, and the Liberals in the Fraser Valley are virtually not a factor.
"and certainly no less in the case of Team Burnaby. Governance by cooperation is certainly becoming fashionable and because of that,"
Sure too bad it has to be Harry's
'either my way or else' type of co-operation.
"BCL will continue to recruit liberals and Gordon Campbell will preside over Vancouver 2010."
No kidding.
"So how should that principle be applied to federal politics? It really depends on what kind of a role Bill Cunningham sees for himself in the race to replace Bill Siksay now for the first time as the opposition party candidate."
What Bill Cunningham sees for himself doesn't matter too much with the Conservatives."
"His Liberal Party southern counterpart has already decided to put her time into better use than to spend money on an un-winnable race to Ottawa's backbench."
Good choice.
"Bill has spent so much time on his own campaign by now, he must know his chance and my suggestion is that he should really think about how to put his time, effort and passion for politics into better use than trying to run a campaign that is going to make me contemplate deeply why he decided to run in the first place."
So why are you? In fact does anyone care what you think? The Conservatives don't. They're more interested in getting their own guy elected.
and they don't need Bill Cunningham or federal Liberal Harry Bloy to do that.
True, my opinion is irrelevant, it is the actions that actually count. It does not matter what I or we think what Bill Cunningham should do. It all comes down to his decision.
When we see Fraser Valley tories at ease with Taylor's appointment to the finance cabinet straight from recruitment, I think we can all appreciate the effort that Gordon put in to unite support from both sides as he called his won party an "umbrella" party embracing both liberal and conservative principles, which are in essence on the opposite end of the spectrum. But look what it has done to BCNDP, because of this unity, now Carole James is having her own difficulty keeping her party together. I would say that strategy worked quite brilliantly.
So what about Bill Cunningham and his decision to run as a liberal. No one blames him for his choice. But what is exactly a unity candidate. Certainly Dion is not seeking "unity" with the greens by yielding. I think true unity can be observed at the race pitting former mayor Jon Kinsbury v. popular MP incumbent in James Moore in Coquitlam where Jon lost by a landslide as a liberal while still willing to congratulate Moore gracefully. While they are divided federally, when it comes the provincial election, both of them are still willing to come together with their friends campaigning against BCNDP. I would say that is the true unity Burnaby liberals and tories should seek.
So one must ask should unity take place, what can federal liberals or Bill himself get out of it. Well, for a start, unseating an NDP incumbent to put a governing party MP in office will remind conservatives and liberals across the city how crucial it is they need to work together and by devising a true partnership with both sides willing to help each other on all levels of government, only then can true change of power be brought to the city.
Ideally, Bill Cunningham will endorse the tory candidate who will in turn both promise to bring money back to the city and endorse a qualified mayoral candidate who can assure the voters of responsible fiscal spending on federal dollars while provincially both sides will continue to work together keeping BCNDP out of office. And If Bill plays nice, he maybe just be the person to pass the torch to.
True, all that is a bunch of fairytale as if Bill Cunningham continues to campaign for a seat on the opposition backbench against Bill Siksay for the third time in a row and I wonder how his race will be framed by NDP this time around. But one thing is for sure, shall he decide to side with Ottawa liberals against tories instead of with Burnaby liberal against NDP, I would say he may soon regret his decision once all of this is over. I would hate to see a talent like him turning on people who can help him go places.
"When we see Fraser Valley tories at ease with Taylor's appointment to the finance cabinet straight from recruitment,"
That's a function of the BC Liberals in situ, Taylor's federal leanings are irrevalent within the BC Liberals up the Valley.
"I think we can all appreciate the effort that Gordon put in to unite support from both sides as he called his won party an "umbrella" party embracing both liberal and conservative principles, which are in essence on the opposite end of the spectrum."
Not nessesarily. The BC Liberals are technically Gordon Campbell's not attributable to any 'unity'. The federal Liberals togehter with the Conservatives also blended togehter in BC Social Credit, but it was mostly Conservatives that ran that party, and it's mostly Conservatives that run the BC Liberals now (the Executive Director is not a federal Liberal).
In the past up to 2001, the BC Liberals were run mostly by the federal Liberals as May Brown and a few others had much influence with Gordon Campbell and where the party was going from Campbell's election as leader in 1995.
Gary Collins was federal Liberal as is Colin Hansen.
"But look what it has done to BCNDP, because of this unity, now Carole James is having her own difficulty keeping her party together."
Actually, incorrect. It's a manifestation of poor leadership on part of the NDP, rather than anything in terms of unity from the BC Liberals.
I would say that strategy worked quite brilliantly.
I would say you're wrong. The NDP
has suffered through poor leadership and direction. It has nothing to do with Campbell's so-called unity efforts. The causation of that is internal rather than external aspects.
"So what about Bill Cunningham and his decision to run as a liberal. No one blames him for his choice."
It was his decision to make, and he wanted the riding so essentially the federal Liberals gave it to him.
"But what is exactly a unity candidate. Certainly Dion is not seeking "unity" with the greens by yielding."
It was tried, but has ended up being a disaster. The federal Liberals are suffering through poor leadership.
"I think true unity can be observed at the race pitting former mayor Jon Kinsbury v. popular MP incumbent in James Moore in Coquitlam where Jon lost by a landslide as a liberal while still willing to congratulate Moore gracefully."
Nothing wrong with that. Moore is an incumbent and well liked and it would be foolish for Kingsbury to try again.
"While they are divided federally, when it comes the provincial election, both of them are still willing to come together with their friends campaigning against BCNDP."
True to a point, but again Moore does not participate actively in provincial politics. He's too busy as an MP to get into that.
"I would say that is the true unity Burnaby liberals and tories should seek. "
Isn't going to happen as both parties are not equatable in many respects and you'd never see a direct sharing of resources even to defeat the civic NDP.
"So one must ask should unity take place, what can federal liberals or Bill himself get out of it."
Does it really matter to the voters what Bill gets out of it?
"Well, for a start, unseating an NDP incumbent to put a governing party MP in office will remind conservatives and liberals across the city how crucial it is they need to work together and by devising a true partnership with both sides willing to help each other on all levels of government, only then can true change of power be brought to the city. "
It can also be brought if the voters feel the BCA Council and Mayor are not doing their jobs properly.
"Ideally, Bill Cunningham will endorse the tory candidate who will in turn both promise to bring money back to the city and endorse a qualified mayoral candidate who can assure the voters of responsible fiscal spending on federal dollars while provincially both sides will continue to work together keeping BCNDP out of office."
I doubt that. The Conservatives aren't going to listen to Bill Cunningham too much.
"And If Bill plays nice, he maybe just be the person to pass the torch to. "
That's a bit of a stretch.
"True, all that is a bunch of fairytale as if Bill Cunningham continues to campaign for a seat on the opposition backbench against Bill Siksay for the third time in a row and I wonder how his race will be framed by NDP this time around."
Same as the other two. The Conservatives will agree with the NDP on that one too.
"But one thing is for sure, shall he decide to side with Ottawa liberals against tories instead of with Burnaby liberal against NDP, I would say he may soon regret his decision once all of this is over."
Interesting.
"I would hate to see a talent like him turning on people who can help him go places."
What talent? The only talent he has (other than his obvious business experience) is to somehow end up being a star candidate who gets cushy political jobs. If it came down to a real candidate nomination race between him and someone else, I as a federal Liberal would not vote for him at all. He's lost twice and that should say something.
The Bby Douglas Liberals should let go of him and find someone else who can actually win.
That's why we work the party.
We're not here to give Bill Cunningham star candidate status or to give people like him cushy easy to work political jobs.
We're here to defeat the NDP candidate and take out the Conservtive candidate so we can get our own guy in. The party with the most guys elected wins the race.
Why is it that federal liberals will always find something wrong with the tories while Harper just cant wait to appoint these so called "enemies" in his cabinet.
All this animosity between liberals and tories is overrated because the unwillingness to work with each other has helped Bill Siksay who would easily lose any two way race against either party candidate. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on...well, you get the point. But to be fooled for the third time, Bill Cunningham? That can spell disaster.
Why should Burnaby liberals remove Bill Cunningham when he can simply walk away, and over to the other side as a former star candidate and for the third time in a row, run with the government, at least then will he have the slightest chance of making himself relevant in the race.
"Why is it that federal liberals will always find something wrong with the tories while Harper just cant wait to appoint these so called "enemies" in his cabinet."
Who says Emerson is an enemy? To the Conservatives, David is an excellent catch.
"All this animosity between liberals and tories is overrated because the unwillingness to work with each other has helped Bill Siksay who would easily lose any two way race against either party candidate."
Well you obviously don't understand basic political fundamentals. Y'see, the Liberals want to be government. The Conservatives want to continue to be government. That can't happen unless one or the other gets more guys elected than the nearest opposition. The Conservatives will not work in unity with the Liberals to defeat the NDP. The Liberals would never work with the Conservatives to defeat the NDP. To think is just insane.
"But to be fooled for the third time, Bill Cunningham? That can spell disaster. "
Bill Cunningham is a disaster.
Why should Burnaby liberals remove Bill Cunningham when he can simply walk away, and over to the other side as a former star candidate and for the third time in a row, run with the government, at least then will he have the slightest chance of making himself relevant in the race.
Bill Cunningham is not a star candidate. What your proposing is trying to find a home for someone who hasn't accomplished much. Why would there be room for him as opposed to someone else within the Conservatives? What makes Bill Cunningham so special that he deserves special treatment? He hasn't done anything prominent other than be the receipient of cushy politicial appointments.
As for Emmerson, he made a name for himself in business and in industry and his crossing the floor is a very rare occurance.
If one thinks Bill Cunningham can emulate that they are very sadly mistaken.
Bill is not even in the same league as Emmerson.
This is more of wanting to find a home for Bill Cunningham.
He can find a home very easily.
He can choose from the Royal Bank,
TD, Bank of Montreal or CIBC.
‘Y'see, the Liberals want to be government. The Conservatives want to continue to be government. That can't happen unless one or the other gets more guys elected than the nearest opposition. The Conservatives will not work in unity with the Liberals to defeat the NDP. The Liberals would never work with the Conservatives to defeat the NDP. To think is just insane.’
Unfortunately, your assumption that liberals will never join conservatives have been proven wrong in many places, not only in the instance of David Emerson, but less prominently in the case of Patrick Wong in Richmond and various new liberal party members in nomination races across Surrey. Many liberals have already decided to carry their support over in open seat races against NDP because unlike many Burnaby liberals, Surrey liberals have decided to align themselves against strong NDP base in the city.
In Surrey North, Dona Cadman has become the candidate against a prominent NDP MP, Penny Priddy who she endorsed in 2006 which resulted in a landslide NDP victory. But with the foresight that she can in fact make a namesake minister, she has decided to join the tories and she will be the perfect example of how a unity candidate should be presented. And that is only one of may examples of candidates of all sort coming under tory’s umbrella and ride the wave to Ottawa.
But apparently Burnaby liberals are too proud to stand with the tories against NDP. But with Mary stepping and liberals frantically searching for a candidate to the degree of considering trying to recruit David Orchard to be their candidate, and with Bill Cunningham “acclaimed” by accident to be the third time candidate, not much more needs to be said about the dire situation the party is in right now. Yet, candidates like Bill Cunningham who has lost twice in a row still cannot comprehend how fast he may lost his relevance in any race to come shall he lose the third time. Not only will he exhaust all of his political capital, another change of liberal leadership may simply push him out of the inner party circle.
But back to the point of uniting liberals and tories in Burnaby. Burnaby has been under the control of NDP for many years because unlike party supporters in other cities, liberals would rather see tories crash and burn and stand through another term of NDP incumbency. None of them realize that without removing the NDP incumbent, there is absolutely no chance for a either of the party to win the riding, and no matter whichever party forms the government, there is simply no chance for the local candidate to get into it. Without the tories, imagine where John Nuraney would be, and he only barely survived as a cabinet minister, and worse has happened in his nearby riding. And Billy Cunningham will to never get his plane ticket to Ottawa if he only concerns himself with trying to oppose the tory candidate at every issue. Shall he make himself an enemy of the tories he will never, just as he is now as of now, become the next in line for the seat as he is helping the NDP incumbent, under no term-limit restriction, retain the seat forever, practically.
What kind of crap are you peddling? Mobina Jaffer ran twice fro the Libs. Her "Payoff" was a seat in the Senate. She knew the Libs always pay off their own. It doesn't matter if BC wins or loses. Next time the Libs form Gvt he will get his reward somehow. Have you not heard the phrase NG Party? Have you never wondered just what it means? Have you never wondered why so many polysci students who want a future in politics are drawn to teh LPC? Get a grip man!
Of course the Libs will do anything to avoid one more seat falling to the Cons. Up til now they have have always known the NDP will support them over the PC Party. They have always appealed to NDP voters to vote Liberal " to avoid the extreme Conservative agenda". Times may be achanging tho'. In the last election - and currently - JL has hit the Libs as hard as the Cons. Net result has been a Con Gvt as well as Lib losses accross the country. If it happens this time again, the NDP will be looking to: 1/ live with a PC Gvt and try like hell to be the official opposition, and 2/ feed off (get fat off of) a wishy washy Liberal opposition that dares not provoke an election and that will put up with anything.
BC better hope the NDP strategy doesn't work or BC's future payoff will never arrive.
Unfortunately, your assumption that liberals will never join conservatives have been proven wrong in many places, not only in the instance of David Emerson, but less prominently in the case of Patrick Wong in Richmond and various new liberal party members in nomination races across Surrey.
First David Emmerson joined the Conservatives as him as a person, not as an ex: Federal Liberal. Big difference.
People as individuals do change politial polarity, but that doesn't mean they are carrying their federal Liberal or anything else label with them. Depends on the person.
"Many liberals have already decided to carry their support over in open seat races against NDP because unlike many Burnaby liberals, Surrey liberals have decided to align themselves against strong NDP base in the city. "
Surrey Liberals have done that for a long time. Nothing new there.
"In Surrey North, Dona Cadman has become the candidate against a prominent NDP MP, Penny Priddy who she endorsed in 2006 which resulted in a landslide NDP victory."
Partially true. But if Chuck hadn't passed away, he would have taken the seat. The Conservatives had a very poor candidate in that riding and he would not listen to the experienced volunteers. He also had a very weak campaign team.
"But with the foresight that she can in fact make a namesake minister, she has decided to join the tories and she will be the perfect example of how a unity candidate should be presented."
Yes and no. It doesn't have anything to do with perceived unity since she figured more can be accomplished in government than if she ran as an indepdent, but there are other migating factors in that equation as well.
" And that is only one of may examples of candidates of all sort coming under tory’s umbrella and ride the wave to Ottawa."
Well, sort of.
"But apparently Burnaby liberals are too proud to stand with the tories against NDP."
You wouldn't find the Tories and Liberals working together in unity anywhere to defeat the NDP. It's not a Burnaby phenomenon by any means.
"But with Mary stepping and liberals frantically searching for a candidate to the degree of considering trying to recruit David Orchard to be their candidate"
Orchard is a junk candidate. He's been all over the map.
"and with Bill Cunningham “acclaimed” by accident to be the third time candidate, not much more needs to be said about the dire situation the party is in right now."
True. To a point.
"Yet, candidates like Bill Cunningham who has lost twice in a row still cannot comprehend how fast he may lost his relevance in any race to come shall he lose the third time."
Most likely because he's not listenting.
"Not only will he exhaust all of his political capital, another change of liberal leadership may simply push him out of the inner party circle. "
and for good reason. The federal Liberals need change and away from the old Martinite / Chretieniste
battles that seem to go on even though there are the Dioniques now to contend with.
"But back to the point of uniting liberals and tories in Burnaby. Burnaby has been under the control of NDP for many years because unlike party supporters in other cities, liberals would rather see tories crash and burn and stand through another term of NDP incumbency."
Not nessesarily. The Liberals want to win a federal seat as do the Tories. The other thing you are missing badly is simply the NDP know how to campaign right and have their system down to a science. The candidates end up being good for their support base, while both the Liberals and Tories in Burnaby tend to present junk or low quality candidates to their support bases.
"None of them realize that without removing the NDP incumbent, there is absolutely no chance for a either of the party to win the riding, and no matter whichever party forms the government, there is simply no chance for the local candidate to get into it."
You mean rid-ings, don't you? There are two federal ridings in Burnaby, not one.
"Without the tories, imagine where John Nuraney would be, and he only barely survived as a cabinet minister"
John has never been a Cabinet Minister, ever. John relies heavily on federal Liberal tactical support, but his campaigns have been run on a 45-65%
mix of federal Liberals and Tories.
"and worse has happened in his nearby riding. And Billy Cunningham will to never get his plane ticket to Ottawa if he only concerns himself with trying to oppose the tory candidate at every issue."
Actually that's what he is supposed to do, otherwise he's worth nothing to any Liberal's time.
"Shall he make himself an enemy of the tories he will never, just as he is now as of now, become the next in line for the seat as he is helping the NDP incumbent, under no term-limit restriction, retain the seat forever, practically."
Not nessesarily. The voters can toss out the incumbent MP if they figure he or she isn't representing properly.
That hasn't happened in Burnaby, but has happened to incumbents before federally, and provincially.
"What kind of crap are you peddling? Mobina Jaffer ran twice fro the Libs. Her "Payoff" was a seat in the Senate."
Very true. Saw her as a candidate in Burnaby Douglas. She was worse than the previous candiate who was actually a long time NDP'er, Franca Zumpano.
She knew the Libs always pay off their own."
Of course she did. That's why she wasn't upset when she lost. She probably even lobbied for some political goodie, but who knows.
She has to be the best example locally as to why the Senate should be eliminated.
"It doesn't matter if BC wins or loses. Next time the Libs form Gvt he will get his reward somehow."
Bill Cunningham will. He always does.
"Have you not heard the phrase NG Party? Have you never wondered just what it means? Have you never wondered why so many polysci students who want a future in politics are drawn to teh LPC? Get a grip man!"
he won't. he's probably never spent any time out in the field where the real politics exist. He seems to postulate alot.
"Of course the Libs will do anything to avoid one more seat falling to the Cons. Up til now they have have always known the NDP will support them over the PC Party."
True esp. for the Red Liberals.
"They have always appealed to NDP voters to vote Liberal " to avoid the extreme Conservative agenda". Times may be achanging tho'. In the last election - and currently - JL has hit the Libs as hard as the Cons. Net result has been a Con Gvt as well as Lib losses accross the country. If it happens this time again, the NDP will be looking to: 1/ live with a PC Gvt and try like hell to be the official opposition, and 2/ feed off (get fat off of) a wishy washy Liberal opposition that dares not provoke an election and that will put up with anything."
True.
"BC better hope the NDP strategy doesn't work or BC's future payoff will never arrive."
and that won't be good, since B.C.
should be paid more attention to.
"Not nessesarily. The Liberals want to win a federal seat as do the Tories. The other thing you are missing badly is simply the NDP know how to campaign right and have their system down to a science. The candidates end up being good for their support base, while both the Liberals and Tories in Burnaby tend to present junk or low quality candidates to their support bases."
Junk/low quality candidates? In Burnaby Douglas, candidates from both major parties had strong business credentials, and in Burnaby Westminster I would say that before now major party candidates have outranked NDP incumbents barring Peter's own political experiences. And certainly no one would possibly call Bill Cunningham a junk candidate.
People are calling cooperation between tories and liberals a mistake because losing as a major party candidate has its own benefit. However it is a bit far-fetched to consider Bill Cunningham as a possible candidate for Senate appointment. And suggesting that Bill can in fact gain prominence by losing for the third time seems quite unrealistic as well. But if most liberals actually believe they will be receiving political goodies, then really, why bother running for the tories when they can easily just stand in as the token candidates and lose by landslide. The fact is most liberals already realize that there simply arent many goodies to give out anymore, let us just see where our ex-premier Dosanjh will end up. And if his objective is really for political goodies, then wouldnt it make a lot more sense to side with the party expected to be in power rather than with a party whose leader he supported in the leadership race widely expected to resign if he cannot defeat Harper in the upcoming election. I guess he will have to wait until Dion makes himself a Prime Minister, which is quite possibly never.
So really, I wonder who is the biggest obstacle in Bill's quest for Ottawa. Is it the NDP, or the tories? Looking back to the history of the riding, the answer should be quite apparent. And he really has to assess that after losing two times already as the government party candidate, does he really have the credibility to bring an NDP incumbent as an opposition party candidate. It is certainly his choice to go along with liberals on this, but I am sure he is more clear about the consequence of losing to Bill Siksay again. But with Harper expected to hold on to power, it is anyone's guess if people involved in 08/09 elections will go along with him to make enemies out of tories, shall he elected to shift focus from unseating the NDP incumbent.
"BC better hope the NDP strategy doesn't work or BC's future payoff will never arrive."
and that won't be good, since B.C.
should be paid more attention to.
10/26/2007 9:23 PM"
I get it. Great slogan! BC for B.C.
Junk/low quality candidates? In Burnaby Douglas, candidates from both major parties had strong business credentials,"
Business credentials don't nessesarily mean success at the polls. Political representation is more of a community based area rather than business. Some business people make good candidates but others have turned to be insanely the wrong choice, even to consider.
"and in Burnaby Westminster I would say that before now major party candidates have outranked NDP incumbents barring Peter's own political experiences."
Peter won, the other two never have.
"And certainly no one would possibly call Bill Cunningham a junk candidate."
Yeah right. Loses two times, the first time was an optimum chance.
"People are calling cooperation between tories and liberals a mistake because losing as a major party candidate has its own benefit."
It's the way of the forest.
"However it is a bit far-fetched to consider Bill Cunningham as a possible candidate for Senate appointment."
Why would he ever be considered even remotely for the Senate. Burnaby already had a candidate that went that route, Mobina Jaffer and she has to be the best reason as an example as to why the Senate should either be elected or abolished.
"And suggesting that Bill can in fact gain prominence by losing for the third time seems quite unrealistic as well."
Anything politically good in regards to Bill is somewhat unrealistic.
"But if most liberals actually believe they will be receiving political goodies, then really, why bother running for the tories when they can easily just stand in as the token candidates and lose by landslide."
Why not? Gets the name out. A few defeated candidates federally have moved on to other places in politics and done well. It's not the end of the world if a person loses an election.
"The fact is most liberals already realize that there simply arent many goodies to give out anymore, let us just see where our ex-premier Dosanjh will end up."
If those Liberals think that way, no wonder their party is in serious trouble. Ujjal will end up
where he is now on the Opposition side.
"And if his objective is really for political goodies, then wouldnt it make a lot more sense to side with the party expected to be in power rather than with a party whose leader he supported in the leadership race widely expected to resign if he cannot defeat Harper in the upcoming election."
Dosanjh would not cross the floor to the Conservatives since he is considered to be a Red Liberal. The NDP would not take him either, so he stays where he is.
"I guess he will have to wait until Dion makes himself a Prime Minister, which is quite possibly never."
Good for that.
"So really, I wonder who is the biggest obstacle in Bill's quest for Ottawa. Is it the NDP, or the tories?"
Why does Bill matter that much?
"Looking back to the history of the riding, the answer should be quite apparent. And he really has to assess that after losing two times already as the government party candidate, does he really have the credibility to bring an NDP incumbent as an opposition party candidate."
He should assess whether he should cancel his candidancy now and return to investment futures where he belongs.
"It is certainly his choice to go along with liberals on this, but I am sure he is more clear about the consequence of losing to Bill Siksay again."
Siskay has done okay as an MP, and that's what really counts. Providing sould representation and assistance to the constituents is the most important part.
"But with Harper expected to hold on to power, it is anyone's guess if people involved in 08/09 elections will go along with him to make enemies out of tories, shall he elected to shift focus from unseating the NDP incumbent."
It is anyone's guess when these hypothesis and suppositions regarding Bill Cunningham will finally end.
Since it is ultimately Bill Cunningham's own choice to make, any sort of speculation is at the end meaningless. However, certainly someone with his talent wasting energy and effort for another losing campaign is certainly unfortunate for speculators from all parties to observe. But if he is really in it for the win, then at least make it a battle while he still has a chance to do so. No matter if he is going to be awarded for his three straight losses or not, one does have to praise him for his courage and loyalty. But yes, like some have mentioned before, there is always investment banking that he can get back into.
"Since it is ultimately Bill Cunningham's own choice to make, any sort of speculation is at the end meaningless."
True.
"However, certainly someone with his talent wasting energy and effort for another losing campaign is certainly unfortunate for speculators from all parties to observe. "
The speculators don't factor in
anything to do with campaigning.
Most of the suppositions tend to
be wrong. It's a guessing game
and not anything beyond that.
"But if he is really in it for the win, then at least make it a battle while he still has a chance to do so."
Doesn't seem to be his style. He
comes across as a bit wimpy
"No matter if he is going to be awarded for his three straight losses or not, one does have to praise him for his courage and loyalty."
How so? There are many volunteer out there who have worked much longer than he has in the federal Liberals, and most likely far more
intensely and with more dedication
to the party's fortunes.
"But yes, like some have mentioned before, there is always investment banking that he can get back into."
If he was smart, he would check himself into the TD Bank and arrange for a seat in the Investment Branch. He has a far better chance of getting a seat in the Invesments Branch than in the House of Commons.
People who claim that they can correctly predict an election outcome either belong in a communist country or are simply talking about the election yesterday.
But for the candidates, what is sometimes important is what they have accomplished for themselves. Politicians, like soccer stars, will lose at some point of their lives. But when they lose too many times, sometimes predictably, like David Beckham, campaigns themselves lose significance, both for the party and the candidates. What has been a NDP-walkover riding in 2004 has now turned against a past star candidate? True, we'll never know the result beforehand because elections are never predictable. But when one anticipates losing can create detrimental effect on its political future, it only makes sense to do damage control before the outcome becomes clear, if not already. And again, many liberals across BC have done so in droves.
Bill's talents in politics were undisputed less than three years ago. But sometimes bad things happen to good people and people do make mistakes. Cant blame him. But if Dion, whom he supported in the leadership race, decides to forgo this riding anyway, I would say it may take forever, to put it gently, for him to be appointed with a senate, cabinet, or simply mail-room post.
Yep! Bill C at least has an MBA to use in the future. He should be okay. Think about all those low level polysci wanabes who do the dirty work. Quite a few names were mentioned recently in the Kwantlen College scams - all of them well connected to the LPC. Money missing, records destroyed, inappropriate loans etc etc.
There is a whole generation of young Libs who will need to get used to the idea of working for a living rather than using the LPC to put them on a fast track to a highly paid gvt job.
Christie Clarke has already accepted the new reality, but there are many less capable than her who are still holding out for the next LPC majority. Let's hope it doesn't come for awhile. This country needs a breathing spell from all those Liberals who want to "save" it.
Hmmmm.... Mark Marrisen has just discovered that their Lib MP for West Vancouver is unfit for elected office. This comes from his own father-in-law.
Wow. One would have thought their candidate vetting or Green light Committee would have found out a few things before now.
"People who claim that they can correctly predict an election outcome either belong in a communist country or are simply talking about the election yesterday."
Very true. Many of the predications are way off base.
"But for the candidates, what is sometimes important is what they have accomplished for themselves."
True. But also what they have done in the community as well.
"Politicians, like soccer stars, will lose at some point of their lives."
Hockey stars too.
"But when they lose too many times, sometimes predictably, like David Beckham, campaigns themselves lose significance, both for the party and the candidates."
Bill Cunningham comes to mind. It also holds true for the Campaign Manager. Lose too many campaigns with a poor result should mean the end of it, but too often they are looked at with admiring eyes by those who don't know better.
"What has been a NDP-walkover riding in 2004 has now turned against a past star candidate?"
Cunningham could have taken the riding, but didn't.
"True, we'll never know the result beforehand because elections are never predictable."
Very true.
"But when one anticipates losing can create detrimental effect on its political future, it only makes sense to do damage control before the outcome becomes clear, if not already."
If one anticipates losing, then that person has no business in wasting the volunteer's time. if there's a sense he can win or at least make a strong showing, then it is worth the effort.
"And again, many liberals across BC have done so in droves.
"Bill's talents in politics were undisputed less than three years ago."
He obviously has a talent for getting cushy easy to handle political hack jobs.
"But sometimes bad things happen to good people and people do make mistakes."
True.
"Cant blame him. But if Dion, whom he supported in the leadership race, decides to forgo this riding anyway, I would say it may take forever, to put it gently, for him to be appointed with a senate, cabinet, or simply mail-room post."
Why the walking on egg shells for him. He needs to be told
"Bill, you've had your time. We're interested in having the membership select another candidate who will do better in achieving our goals. It was nice knowing you. Good luck in your future endeavours.
Post a Comment
<< Home