Interesting article from an NDP strategist who isn't Brian Topp.
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2013/05/16/bc_election_offers_...
A lot of good thoughts in it for BC, but one struck me as relevant for the federal election:
Third parties cannot be ignored. Losing support on single issues or ideological flanks can cost a first-or-second place party the election, and the Internet means that the old strategy of ignoring third parties no longer works. Positions and narratives have to be crafted for multi-party competitions where, for example, being credible on supporting both extractive industries as well as the environment matters for electoral success.
Ouch, Brian Topp didn't deserve the cheap shot from Byers. Aside from that and the Federal Lib and NDP alliance I agree with most of his points too.
I still say I doubt Topp wasn't the one who pushed the no attack policy and Brian had nothing to do with the election defeat in 2009. I still fear Topp will play the price sadly.