Dear Mme. St-Denis,

You have done what I thought impossible: for the first time ever I agree with the NDP's call to have a floor-crosser step down!

I've never been partial to the notion that ordinary MPs needs to provoke an unnecessary by-election to be able to evolve their political ideals and policies. Canadian democracy is ill served by the orthodox obsession with partisan affiliation. I hope for floor crossings in all directions: by MPs, party members and staff. I did it myself, I can assure you it feels a lot better to be in a party more aligned with my ideals.

I can see how a newly unexpectedly elected NDP MP could have rapidly evolving points of view and even how they might want to jump ship. But that's not what you said today.

It's time! 

Treat this election like there is no tomorrow. Every single day ask: what can I do TODAY to convince another person New Democrats are capable of winning.

Act like the team that is going to win. 

I've reported on a number of municipal or provincial election campaigns in my previous life doing radio news, so it was a pleasure to be reporting again for #OttVote -- albeit in much different way. In the olden days I'd show up at McGuinty or Charest HQ on election night lugging two XLR-hacked Sony mini-disc recorders; two shotgun condenser mics, an extendable boom; extra mini-discs; pads & pens to take notes or time-mark good clips; and batteries of all sizes and persuasions...in addition to my laptop; charger and an odd box that let me use my cell for wireless (a true '90s innovation).

Before I had even poured my morning coffee, major gay blogs were posting news of a sponsorship of a controversial festival hosted by the notorious "pro-marriage" organization National Organization for Marriage by a Rhode Island Tim Hortons.

My own small tweets on the subject were replicated and reproduced at a rate I've never seen. A quick look at the search function on Twitter for "Tim Hortons" reveals that instead of talking up the new blueberry blossom doughnut or their morning double-double - people are pissed off about a Rhode Island franchisee.

Some have argued social media moves to quickly to pass judgment without fact. This is true to an extent. And, it is exactly why corporate, union and NGO communicators need to be part of the conversation.