Ontario Bye-Election Results

[jdobbin]

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/179968

Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberals stumbled last night, losing two of three provincial by-elections in the GTA, including one key Toronto seat they won handily in the 2003 election.

But John Tory's Progressive Conservatives did not fare much better, retaining their Burlington stronghold as expected, but failing to regain Markham from the Liberals.

Only NDP Leader Howard Hampton picked up a new seat, toppling the Liberals in York South-Weston.

Hampton's by-election successes since 2004 in three inner-city ridings in Toronto and Hamilton may spell trouble for McGuinty's re-election hopes in the Oct. 10 province-wide vote. Other Liberal seats in Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, London, and Ottawa could be vulnerable.

It would appear that the NDP are making gains on the Liberals in Ontario but I wonder if it is limited to working class neighborhoods or if it is more wide-spread.

As for the Tories, they must have been hoping for a bit more in this than what they got.

[BayLee]

"Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberals stumbled last night,"

How about this.

The Ontario CONS looked pathetic last night.

Most voters yet again voted for left wing values rather than right wing

[Canadian Blue]

I thought John Tory was a Red Tory???

[madmax]

It would appear that the NDP are making gains on the Liberals in Ontario but I wonder if it is limited to working class neighborhoods or if it is more wide-spread.

As for the Tories, they must have been hoping for a bit more in this than what they got.

The NDP had won 3 bi elections in a row, then took 1 of the current 3 bi elections in a riding the liberals have technically held for 20 years. That is 4 of 7 Bi Elections in which the NDP had held only one of those seats going in...Marylin Churleys riding.

The Conservatives held there stronghold in Burlington, with a strong Liberal Challenge, and no NDP challenge. In Markham I thought the PCs should have been able to take a riding away from the Liberals. But it remained in Liberal Hands.

The the working class ridings are in play for the NDP.

However, by years end, as the aloofness of the Liberal Industrial policy comes to fruition, and even more job losses and industrial relocation occurrs, you will see a split (IMHO) to both the left and the right.

John Tory and Howard Hampton are both campaigning on Industrial Job Loss.

But right now, the only party that has made Gains in Bi Elections has been the NDP.

The election will be a new kettle of fish.

[madmax]

"Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberals stumbled last night,"

How about this.

The Ontario CONS looked pathetic last night.

Most voters yet again voted for left wing values rather than right wing

Howard Hampton has toughed out some pretty tough years, and poor election results. I am not certain that the Progressive Conservatives looked pathetic. I believe they showed their strength in Burlington.

When Election time comes around, will see how many of these seats the NDP can retain. How secure are the 4 of the 7 bi election seats the NDP have won?

[madmax]

I thought John Tory was a Red Tory???

John Tory claims himself to be a Red Tory. He has distanced himself from the Harris Conservatives. The Liberals policies today are more in line with the Harris Policies, only without followup and indecisive. I am having a hard time, listing the Liberal Accomplishments in 4 years? I believe they are going to trot out a few fixes around the Province prior to the election.

John Tory has been out there shopping the vision. Back in the day, the Progressive Conservatives were more moderate then there Liberal Counter Parts.