Canada's Federal Conservatives

[maplesyrup]

sir__springer....thanks.

When I looked at Chuck Strahl's website it was quite obvious that he is very loyal to Stephen Harper. He has a prominent scrolling message on it, that has several references to speeches made by Harper.

Have you heard of someone named Warren Kinsella?

I believe he was a Chretien person, but not sure.

Looked at his weblog (www.warrenkinsella.com) this afternoon, and he is forcasting a minority government.

Not sure if that is sour grapes, or if he is an accurate forecaster, but hope it's the latter.

Lord is quite young. He still has plenty of opportunity, in future years to enter federal politics if he wishes.

[Neal.F.]

Kinsella predicting a minority government? That's a new one. Warren must have been passed over when Martin took over the Politburo.... To hear my old friend Warren predicting ANYTHING but a crushing Liberal majority is astonishing.

No doubt he remains a loyal Liberal, but sour grapes might be what has produced this. Kinsella was brought into the game by Alan Rock, and I would not be surprised if he wishes the Martin era to be short & sweet so that his man can make a run at it. If not Rock himself, someone Rock could live with....say....Justin Trudeau?

As far as his gloom is concerned, it may well be that he sees the BC scandals as potentially devastating to Martin and the FedLibs.

This has almost certainly wiped out any potential Liberal gains in BC, and they would be lucky to hold onto what they have. They will also lose the two they have in Alberta, and a minumum of 30 in Ontario. So yes, it looks like a minority, UNLESS he can make up for his losses in Quebec by grabbing 15-20 from the Bloc. While I can forsee some gains, 15-20 would be a tall order.

[sir_springer]

Kinsella was the Liberal snake who held up that Barney doll on national television and derided Day for his religious beliefs. It was just about the most dispicable exhibition I have even seen.

He got the axe almost immediately following Martin's takeover from Chretien.

This guy knows no limits too low to sink in fighting an election...which is why he's been a Liberal worker for so many years.

[Neal.F.]

It was Kinsella as head of the Liberal War Room who orchestrated the most ugly, nasty and negative campaign ever seen in Canadian political history, and I believe his tactics, such as the Barney doll and others, partially responsible for the lowest turnout ever in a Canadian Federal election.

[udawg]

partially responsible for the lowest turnout ever in a Canadian Federal election.

I see this as one of the biggest political crises in Canada today. It affects all parties equally, so I don't know why they don't try to do something about it. You may get bad leaders, and insane policies, but if you can get Canadian voters to the polls, there won't be a problem. If anything, reduced voter turnout is part of the reason so many crazies get into positions of power. If people turned out to vote these politicians out of office, the major parties would get the picture very quickly: the Canadian voter will not accept fanatics, bigots, and radicals in politics.

[maplesyrup]

Progressive party will be reborn

http://www.torontostar.com/NASApp/cs/Conte...d=1072870706029

[maplesyrup]

Tony Clement considering a run for the Conservative Party leadership. He's from Ontario, bilingual, and former Health Minister in the previous Ontario Government.

Chuck Strahl is still considering entering the race. He will decide within the next couple of weeks, so he still has his foot in the door.

t's going to be tricky business, this leadership contest, just before the rumoured election call in April.

Imagine how badly the Democrats would do right now, with them all attacking each other if the US election was held next month. Fortunately for them, the Democratic choice for president will probably be decided eight months before Americans go to the polls.

----------------------

Peter White of the National Post has an article today

entitled:

'Harper's challenge lies in the East'

-------------------------

"Lord was no saviour'

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...Story/National/

'It says a great deal about the state of Canadian politics that Bernard Lord was seen as the saviour of the Official Opposition'

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Is it the year of progressive conservative Liberals?'

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...Story/National/

'Now the profound strategic mistake of 1987 has been acknowledged in the merger of the Alliance and PC parties, but not yet admitted. To succeed, the merger would have to create a new reality under the Conservative banner -- a reality that looks quite a bit like the party of Robert Stanfield, Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney. That reality cannot be expressed by Stephen Harper, who looks to be a shoo-in as the new Conservative leader, and who will officially enter the race next week.'

This journalist is rather negative, particularly about Harper, but he usually is, isn't he?

Edited January 6, 2004 by maplesyrup

[Cameron]

This may be a funny point, or a serious one. The address for the conservative party is the CA address....hmmmmm

[Neal.F.]

But there is no CA Party anymore. Nor a PC Party. Seems all hands agreed that one office suited the combined needs better than the other.

[maplesyrup]

- heard on the CBC 'Politics' show today

Conservatives will be happy to hear that a new a new conservative magazine is being launched in Canada entitled:

'Western Standard'

A fellow who used to write for the National Post named Erza Levant is involved.

Who is he?

----------------------------------

-from today's national Post

'Western Standard will be antidote to Maclean's, the CBC'

http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpos...3a-458075b0ad03

'Here are my top 10 reasons why I think the Western Standard is going to be the must-read magazine of 2004:

1. There is simply nothing else like it today -- no conservative Canadian news magazine exists.

2. We will cover important news stories that the liberal media ignores -- or even censors.

3. We will report news about conservatives, Christians and other politically incorrect people without disparaging them.

4. We will be the antidote to the CBC's pro-Liberal bias in the 2004 federal election.

5. We will be a true Western voice, with a Western publisher, editor and writers.

6. We will have the best conservative and libertarian columnists in the country -- and from around the world.

7. We have a sense of humour -- unlike most liberal media who take themselves too seriously and seem to regard most jokes as offensive.

8. Two words: pro-beef.

9. Even our ads will be interesting.

10. And, in all seriousness, we will rebuild the public vocabulary of freedom and personal responsibility in Canada.'

-----------------------------------------------

-from today's Gloe and Mail

by Bruce Cheadle

'Stronach pondering bid for Tory leadership'

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/...Story/National/

'Ms. Stronach, a telegenic 37-year-old with an impeccable business pedigree, would add significant lustre to a leadership race — and a new federal party — that has so far been dogged by high profile names opting out rather than in.'

I guess some folks don't think Harper is the right person.

Edited January 7, 2004 by maplesyrup

[udawg]

On the new conservative magazine: I look forward to reading the first issue. Sounds like 10 good reasons to me. It'll be good to have an alternative...no matter what your personal standpoint is.

Ms. Stronach's entrance into the Conservative leadership race could mean people pay more attention. Probably won't increase media coverage, which is already sky-high, but ordinary people may sit up and take notice. No matter who wins the race, she'll help both credibility and public awareness of the race.

[theWatcher]

A fellow who used to write for the National Post named Erza Levant is involved.

Who is he?

Ezra was the person nominated for the Calgary seat that wouldn't step down after Harper was nominated leader of the CA.

He's very bright, its a shame he is not running in another seat.

[Morgan]

Stronach was rumoured to have been Slick Willy Clinton's paramour, so conservative she is not, in the true sense of the word.

Also according to the Star, she gave MacKay the most $ for the first PC leadership race...bad sign.

Stronach is a Red Tory Trojan horse. I think she would be a foolish choice for the party.

Why would she add "credibility" to the leadership race? If she had an affair with a married man, I don't think that speaks highly of her character.

[maplesyrup]

Since when do Conservatives not commit adultery?

Who cares who is sleeping with who?

It's government policies that matter, because that is what impacts on Canadian citizens.

By going off on these tangents, concerning yourself with what people are doing with their personal lives, is one of the main reasons why Conservatives rarely get elected in Canada thses days.

Let's keep religion and politics separate.

To quote Pierre Elliott Trudeau: 'The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation.'

[sir_springer]

Stronach likely to enter race

By BRIAN LAGHI

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Ottawa — The race to lead Canada's new Conservative Party is ready to burst wide open as auto parts executive Belinda Stronach and high-profile MP Chuck Strahl both appear poised to jump into the competition.

"I'm telling you she's serious about this," said a source close to Ms. Stronach. "Things have changed for her."

"She's very, very close," said another source close to Ms. Stronach. "She knows the personal sacrifice it's going to take, but she wants to ensure there's a strong leader that has the party well-positioned."

The first source said the only possible roadblock to Ms. Stronach's candidacy would be family considerations.

Ms. Stronach, who is president of Magna International Corp., has been a strong proponent of bringing the Canadian Alliance and the Tories together. She worked hard in the creation of the Canadian Alliance and acted as a facilitator in bringing together Stephen Harper and Peter MacKay late last year to cobble together the merger of the two parties.

The source said Ms. Stronach had originally turned down the idea of running, but now wants to ensure that the new party gets a good kickoff.

Sources would not say when Ms. Stronach would announce her candidacy, although she would almost certainly have to do so within the next week or so given that the leader will be crowned in March.

As president of the large auto parts manufacturer, Ms. Stronach could expect to be well-financed. She might also garner the support of senior Tories such as former Ontario premier Mike Harris.

Sources said yesterday that Mr. Harris has purposely refrained from endorsing former Ontario health minister Tony Clement for the job because of Ms. Stronach's possible candidacy.

Meanwhile, sources close to Mr. Strahl said the B.C. MP is very close to making a positive decision. He plans to speak to party faithful at a Cambridge, Ont., constituency meeting tomorrow.

Mr. Strahl has been the subject of a draft movement and party members trying to get him into the race said yesterday he is concerned the contest is not exciting enough for a new party trying to get off the ground.

The race had been almost moribund until this week, with only Mr. Harper and Calgary lawyer Jim Prentice as candidates.

But volunteers working for Mr. Clement confirmed that the former Ontario health minister is also deeply interested in taking the plunge. The group working for Mr. Clement's candidacy is preparing to meet today to discuss whether he should run. It's unclear, however, whether both Ms. Stronach and Mr. Clement would run, given that they both come from Ontario and would be relying on Ontario support.

The field of candidates could conceivably jump to as high as six should PC caucus leader Peter MacKay throw his hat into the ring. A source said earlier this week that the deciding factor for Mr. MacKay would probably be whether he can raise enough money. Officials said the team needs about $800,000.

A spokesman for Mr. MacKay said last night there is no date yet for when Mr. MacKay will make his decision public.

"He's not said anything to anyone," said William Stairs.

A crowded race could become more problematic for Mr. Harper, who is widely seen as the front-runner. The Alliance caucus leader would probably have more difficulty winning the battle on the first ballot, leaving room for also-rans to coalesce behind another candidate. However, party officials said yesterday that Mr. Harper still has strong support among Alliance members, who number about 90,000. He is expected to officially declare his candidacyon Monday.

Meanwhile, reports out of Manitoba last night said that Alliance MP Brian Pallister has scratched his name off the list of potential leadership candidates and is now backing Mr. Harper.

Mr. Pallister told the Winnipeg Free Press his decision comes after spending the holidays pondering his political future.

With files from Greg Keenan and Canadian Press

[Morgan]

maplesyrup,

Oh puhleaze...keep politics out of the bedroom? kind of old and unoriginal, don't you think? Regarding your comments about going off on tangents and your opinion about why the conservatives rarely get elected... listen up... conservatives did not get elected in recent memory because Red Tories made it difficult for the voters to see any difference between Chretien and Joe Clark, and since Chretien wasn't such a pompous fool as Clark, they voted Chretien...that's the reason...the phoney conservative Clark personally contributed to the Chretien LPOC dynasty.

Maybe instead of a knee jerk response you might have read the post I was responding to:

'Ms. Stronach, a telegenic 37-year-old with an impeccable business pedigree, would add significant lustre to a leadership race — and a new federal party — that has so far been dogged by high profile names opting out rather than in.'

The Globe and Mail reporter was looking at superficial details about Stronach as a candidate and I merely responded.

And yes, people who are serious about character in a leader would consider flagrant adultery as a bad sign, not to mention stupid.

That you don't care about moral values does not mean you should automatically think other people put a similar low value on character in leadership.

[maplesyrup]

Morgan.....Canada/BC has potentially one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the Canadian political scene, and you're focusing on whether or not a couple of consenting adults had sex.

Suffice to say, I rest my case.

Please don't take my comments personally, as we don't even know each other. We just have different points of view, I guess.

Edited January 7, 2004 by maplesyrup

[Neal.F.]

Stronach was rumoured to have been Slick Willy Clinton's paramour, so conservative she is not, in the true sense of the word.

Also according to the Star, she gave MacKay the most $ for the first PC leadership race...bad sign.

Stronach is a Red Tory Trojan horse. I think she would be a foolish choice for the party.

Why would she add "credibility" to the leadership race? If she had an affair with a married man, I don't think that speaks highly of her character.

I totally agree with you Morgan. If she won, I'd not vote for them. It'd be a complete repudiation of social conservatives in the party. In fact, it would make one think that the PROGRESSIVE conservatives took over the Alliance.

She has every right to run, but she deserves a resounding rejection by Conservative members, if the allegations are true.

Good lord. Bill Clinton, of all people. That should be enough to let us know where she stands on abortion, gay rights etc.

On the other hand, if she has repented of her past behaviour she does deserve forgiveness, (who among us hasn't done some things they are not proud of?) but lets see where she stands. I have this sick feeling that social conservatives would get the short end of the stick should she win.

[maplesyrup]

Belinda Stronach running neck and neck with Stephen Harper for the Conservative party leadership in today's poll in the Globe and Mail.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Pag...bhub=VoteResult

[Neal.F.]

First let's bear in mind that the Globe has a liberal readership, and is Toronto based, and in no way reflects the membership of the party tghat will vote for the new leader. It is an internet poll. Enough said.

That said, If she wins, the new party can (and will) go to hell.

And it will because she will totally alienate social conservatives, without whom, the Coinservative party under any name cannot come to power.

If I wanted to vote for a socially Liberal fiscal conservative, I'd vote for the real thing: Paul Martin.

We've had enough of Liberal-Lite. and seen where it gets us: 2 seats....20 seats....12 seats.

And if theres any truth to the Clinton rumours she's best off not running. In fact no matter what, like it or not, fair or unfair, her whole sex life will be on the table, trust me.

[Neal.F.]

As an aside, if the Clinton allegations are true, can you imagine the friction between Canada and the USA if, in 2008 Stronach is PM and Hillary Clinton is US Prez?

It'll make the Chretien/Ducros/Parrish era look like the good old days....

Fortunately, neither of those two can possibly win those offices!

[PC4EVER]

About that poll in the Globe & Mail yesterday.

Since, anybody can set up computers in line to vote in a massive way for one candidate, that poll means nothing or at least we should be very suspicious about the result even over 10,000 entries has been cast. It's been done at the last leadership and I checked personnaly, I was able to vote more than one time within a minute.

Harper is damaging himself by trying to control the leadership process at the first leadership committe meeting last monday. By using these tactics, he shows his real face as someone who wants to win at any cost and with anti-democratic value. If it was the first attemps, I would not say that, but it is clearly a pattern that won't appeal to CP members and Canadian population at the end.

1- To the aggremment in principles unifying the two party, Harper brought to the negociation table that only him and MacKay could run for th new party. Obviously, it was not accepted.

2- CA staff was openly worked for Harper campaign while still paying by the CA or the new CP, and they are using the former PCP members list, while no one else has the CA members list then themselves.

3- At the leadership meeting, his representatives tried to overule PC representatives by electing one PC rep as president of the committe, and removed her vote of any decisions that the committe would decide. And obviously, the first rules was to use the new C-24 financing rules for the leadership as Harper asked previously.

Now, that Harper is inside the box, we can expect anything on his side to control and make sure that others candidates won't interfere in his march to power.

I think everyone should have equal chances in this race and have a fair proccess to let the members decide who should lead that new party and not a dictatorial way to do things as Harper is doing right now.

[sir_springer]

Far as I'm concerned, Harper is merely doing his best to make sure that the new party is not tainted by old practises involving corporate funding of their chosen ones.

IOW, he's attempting to keep the party true to Reform/CA principles of grassroots democracy.

More power to him.

If that's to his advantage, I could care less.

After watching how Martin was raised to leadership by his corporate cronies and a $12 million slush fund, I find Harper's approach refreshing and reassuring.

[maplesyrup]

Just saw Belinda Stronach on TV, she looks like she's about to jump into the race. Her Dad said that he would take over the business again.

PC4VR....apparently the Tony Clement's people bombarded the Globe poll.

Edited January 8, 2004 by maplesyrup

[Neal.F.]

If she does, she'll become Canada's Monica Lewinsky overnight....

She's best off staying out that kind of limelight until she's properly married and settled down.