Dion Draws Ire Over Proposed By-election Candidate

[Michael Bluth]

So, it appears that Steph can't shoot straight again. Trying to prevent David Orchard from running for the Liberals. Is there a reason for this?

Link

The battle over who will carry the Liberal banner in a vast northern Saskatchewan riding has developed into a power struggle pitting MP Ralph Goodale, the party's strong man in the province, against Mr. Orchard, the prominent farm activist who twice ran for the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives.

Mr. Orchard has been campaigning heavily for the Liberal nomination in the riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, but Mr. Dion is seriously considering overriding the nomination race to appoint NDP MLA Joan Beatty as the candidate, Liberal sources said.

In addition, Mr. Goodale, the Liberal House Leader and Saskatchewan party chieftain, has vociferously opposed Mr. Orchard's candidacy and pushed for another candidate to be appointed, according to several Liberals familiar with the discussions.

Good work Stephane. Override yet another democratic nomination race.

[White Doors]

to be fair, I wouldn't want that nutbar in my party either.

He would get torn to shreds in question period.

[Michael Bluth]

to be fair, I wouldn't want that nutbar in my party either.

He would get torn to shreds in question period.

Then why accept his endorsement for the leadership?

It would be funny to watch Orchard in QP.

It's not like this is a safe seat for the Liberals anyways.

[M.Dancer]

Well, you gotta give Dion some credit here....no one wants Orchard... and no one has to even let him run let alone be a member of the party.

...Let the Greens have him

[Shakeyhands]

So, it appears that Steph can't shoot straight again. Trying to prevent David Orchard from running for the Liberals. Is there a reason for this?

Link

Good work Stephane. Override yet another democratic nomination race.

People in glass houses Michael.....

[Michael Bluth]

Well, you gotta give Dion some credit here....no one wants Orchard... and no one has to even let him run let alone be a member of the party.

...Let the Greens have him

That would be humourous if Lizzie May said no to letting him run.

[jdobbin]

to be fair, I wouldn't want that nutbar in my party either.

He would get torn to shreds in question period.

The riding has always been a controversial one for the Liberals all the way back to 2000 . I think picking Joan Beatty is the least controversial decision Dion could make. It is not entirely clear that Orchard would win the nomination in any case but at least with Beatty, he is picking someone who represents the area and is hugely popular.