You can't vote twice

According to CJOB, St. James MLA Bonnie Korzeniowski is at the Steve Ashton news conference. If you recall, she was also seen at the Andrew Swan leadership kick-off event.

Others at the confenrence (so far): Bidhu Jha, MLA for Radisson.

Update: Darryl Reid is also there.

Fair enough (on Bonnie's reasoning for attending both events).

Didn't I just read that

Interesting CBC comments; looks like the Steve Ashton speaking points are making the rounds.


BrianL wrote:
"Steve Ashton represents a significant positive change from the policies of Doer and the like. And as far as politicians go, he is a good one by any standards - honest, experienced, without a hint of controversy, and if he managed to go from winning a squeaker in the early 80s to regularly over 75% these days, he's obviously doing something right. And in a fight with McFadyen, Ashton would make mincemeat out of him. I'm not an NDP member, but this has me thinking of taking out a card."

Tractor wrote:
"Ashton has a reputation as a straight talking, honest and hard-working MLA and Minister. He regularly pulls over three-quarters of the popular vote in his riding (which he took in a squeaker from the Conservative incumbent some time back in the 80s I think?). He has had 20+ years of experience with multiple ministerial portfolios and never a sniff of controversy. Even right-wing commentators in the Winnipeg papers have shown him grudging admiration... and oh yeah, wasn't he the guy who took the Golden Boy down and gave it a good clean and polish? :)

Would you vote for this guy? I would."

Kiss of death, Firefighter's support Ashton

Curtis has provided us with an interesting analysis on Ashton’s chances in the leadership race. But we will have to agree to disagree on this one. This generation of NDPers are disciples of the Gary Doer school of politics and if he has taught them anything during the last two decades is that they need to be pragmatic (read centrist) and pick someone who can appeal to the general public. Ashton will have his supporters, knows how to play the game and will get respectable results, but it won’t be enough.

As for the firefighter union’s record on picking winners. Ouch!

Now we have a race, well kinda

Steve Ashton is putting on his running shoes and making this a two man race. But the sprint to October 17th is over before it has even started, as Andrew Swan will run circles around him.

Don’t get me wrong, Ashton has his supporters and will bring some fresh new ideas. Unlike Swan, Ashton is not happy with the status quo and the current direction of the party. He’s feisty, quick on his feet and one of the best orators around. He may even sell more memberships than Swan.

But his brand of politics does not resonate with the public and will not win the NDP an election. For this reason he’s a non-starter according to most NDP members. This is not the federal NDP. The provincial wing is not content with being the conscience of the legislature.

This race is more in the category of a him vs him contest or him vs anyone else on the planet.

Only Greg Selinger will make this a true contest. A third candidate would also be good news for Ashton and provide him with some clout in a delegate style convention.

We've got one!!!

Andrew Swan is in. This is not a big surprise.

But check out the list of people who have come out in support of Swan.

Nancy Allan -Labour Minister
Stan Struthers -Conservation Minister
Theresa Oswald -Health Minister
Sharon Blady -MLA Kirkfield Park
Erin Selby -MLA Southdale
Bonnie Korzeniowski -MLA St. James

What is interesting about the last four on the list is that Greg Selinger helped them out during the last election by going door-to-door with them. I guess memories are short in politics.

Winnipeg, home of the hardcore

Another reason we will need a police helicopter.

Coming out of the woodwork

Greg Selinger briefly spoke to the media for the first time earlier today at the legislature. It is definitely starting to look like he will run. He had spent most of this week on the phone and it looks like he has the support needed to make a run at the leadership.

Persistent rumors at the legislature also indicate that Gord Mackintosh is seriously considering running.

Nancy Allan has also confirmed that she will not be running for the leadership.

Others will also be making their intentions known in the next day or two.

UPDATE: Bill Blaikie has also just confirmed he is not running.