The New Democrats’ barometer for success is not the same. If they add even a couple of seats to their existing 21, Ms. Horwath will declare victory. The problem is that with the Liberals making a strong pitch for their voters – and at least a couple of their downtown Toronto MPPs perceived to be in trouble, along with one or two caucus members who recently won by-elections – the NDP could lose ground.If that happens, the party will face an identity crisis. The rather abrupt shift under Ms. Horwath toward pocketbook populism, with which many of its members were uncomfortable from the get-go, would be deemed a failure. New Democrats would then have to decide whether to try to return to their traditional values, presumably under a new leader.
An additional problem for the New Democrats after election day could be money; based on their inability to compete financially with the other parties during this campaign, they would be hard-pressed to afford another one soon. And the other party that winds up in opposition could have major fundraising challenges as well – a particular problem in a minority legislature that could fall at any time.
[url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/each-party-leader-must-face... and Mail[/url]
At this point I am expecting a Liberal minority with just 2-3 fewer Liberal and NDP seats and 4-5 more Conservatives, although I still think the Conservatives could surprise.
There are polls with the NDP at 26% of the vote and others with the NDP at just 18% so I just don't know what to believe. Andrea's late campaign itinerary suggests she believes the good polls. But frankly even if the NDP does better than in 2011 (and with such a result, likely pushes the Cons ahead), I STILL want Andrea Horwath to resign. I'd like to see some senior staff turnover, too. I think this election has been a missed opportunity - a terrible platform and an unimaginative campaign. Thoughts?
