Eye On The Campaign Trail

Thursday, December 08, 2005 03:30 AM

The Chair of UNBC's Political Science Department, John Young, says there are a number of issues on the radar as the federal election campaign unfolds...

Professor Young says of particular interest, "Is the way the Liberals and NDP seem to be duking it out for seats and support, both in Ontario and Saskatchewan." Young says, "If that battle continues to brew, then that will probably be of benefit for the Conservatives."

The Poli Sci Chair says, "It will also be interesting to watch and see whether the Conservatives can characterize themselves as pursuing the Canadian interest, if they can make a link between their party and the National interest." Young says he believes that's part of the party's campaign strategy and something they've failed to do in the past. "The Liberals have been able to monopolize that persona for the last decade or so."

In the June 2004 election, the Liberals were able to attach a "scary factor" to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. "I think that's going to be part of the Liberals' strategy, but whether or not they can do it successfully a second time round, " says Young, is up in the air. "I think Canadian voters might be expecting that and might see things more cynically."

As for Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris' quest for a 5th term. Professor Young says, "I would be very surprised if Mr. Harris ran into difficulty here, locally."

"Although I do agree that five terms will be a significant tenure in the office -- I don't think the Reform Party, when it organized in the late 80's, early 90's, ever thought that their representatives would become professional politicians -- but I don't think his position is being threatened in the sense that, in this area, there may not be viable alternatives."

So far, NDP candidate, Quesnel mill worker Alfred Trudeau, is the only declared challenger. The Liberal Riding Association had hoped to release a name by yesterday, but President Dave Wilbur says it will now likely be Saturday.
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Posted on Thursday, December 08, 2005 03:30 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: gypsy on December 8 2005 7:32 AM

Please, I need help.
I am lacking knowledge.
Just what has Harris accomplished in the years he has been on the taxpayers payroll????
Must be something???

Posted by: ammonra on December 8 2005 8:25 AM

There is something. He made a living! He got an income!

Posted by: Don Mackenzie on December 8 2005 9:35 AM

THE liberals said they are going to BAN HANDGUNS IN CANADA TODAY,SO they ban good people from having handguns but this does nothing to stop the BAD GUYS from getting them. these fool liberals must be kicked so hard that their grandchildren have headaces Vote for anybody but liberals.

Posted by: localman on December 8 2005 9:35 AM

I think very few of us interact with or understand the day-to-day of what Dick Harris or our other politicians do. All I can say is that I had a time where I needed him...and he was there to help.

Posted by: Palopu on December 8 2005 9:52 AM

Most of Dick Harris's time in Parliment was spent in opposition, therefore it would be hard for him to accomplish much. However he did get a private members bill passed that would give you up to 7 years in prison for Impaired Driving causing death. His office has also been available to help with passport applications, and other such mundane things. No doubt if the Conservatives form the next Government we can expect a little more from him.((Hopefully))

Posted by: Chadermando on December 8 2005 11:56 AM

Don, I'm with you on the hand gun thing. Total garbage is what that is.

First they got everyone to register their guns, now they are threatening 4 years in prision for anyone that refuses to hand in their registered hand guns.

Registered guns by legal law abiding citizens are not the guns used by the black immigrant gang violence in Toronto. Its the illigal guns in every single case.

Paul Martin wants to disarm the law abiding citizen to create an atmosphere where criminals can use their illigal guns to victimize anyone in society at will.

Next they will be coming for your registered hunting riffle. Try to hide it and you are now a crimminal, meanwhile the real crimminals get to have the run of the place.

IMO Paul Martin is trying to create a wedge election issue to drum up fear in Eastern Canada, that he can use to demonize the conservatives. This is a sign the liberals are getting desperate. I hope the conservatives don't take the bait, otherwise it will become law once the liberals are elected. Its up to people like us to denounce this for what it is.