rabble.ca wants to run a feature on some key ridings throughout the campaign. Which ones do you think would be best, most interesting, most exciting to focus on from a progrssive point of view?
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Which ridings would you like to see rabble.ca profile?
Thu, 2011-04-07 13:18
#1
Catchfire
Which ridings would you like to see rabble.ca profile?
Thu, 2011-04-07 13:23
#2
I think that the following ridings will be quite interesting and are pretty decent in terms of representing different regions of the country:
Outrement (QC)
Eglinton-Lawrence (ON)
Vancounver South (BC)
Saanich-Gulf Islands (BC)
Edmonton-Strathcona (AB)
Avalon (NL)
Thu, 2011-04-07 13:24
#3
Saint John
Thu, 2011-04-07 13:51
#4
bagkitty
Calgary West (AB) (even though the result is a foregone conclusion - it will probably be the best example in the country of an offensive incumbent refusing to participate in any public forum... and stands as the extreme case of what is helping in a significant number of CON ridings in Alberta)
Esquilmalt Juan De Fuca (BC)
Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar (SK) (hopefully with an accomanying piece of the other split rural-urban ridings in Saskatchewan [how do you spell gerrymander?])
Winnipeg North (MB)
South Shore-St.Margaret's (NS)
Nunavut and/or Yukon and/or NWT (although this is the order that I think they are of interest)
Thu, 2011-04-07 14:09
#5
Catchfire
Yeah, bagkitty--I think it also might be interesting in looking at a riding where the NDP candidate has no chance of winning against a highly offensive Con candidate (who coincidentally just visited my riding and Tweeted about how much he liked cricket during India-Pakistan in the world cup. Interestingly, he said nothing during the India-Sri Lanka final. Racist ass.) I'd personally be interested in hearing about what it takes to run a campaign that not only has no chance of winning, but is in hostile territory. Good suggestion!
Strathcona seems obvious, as does Outremont, at least in terms of closeness of race and national interest. It might help if babblers offer a reason why the ridings they picked should be featured, though. Sell your case!
Thu, 2011-04-07 14:22
#6
I listed some ridings above that I think will be interesting because they were so close last time. Some, like Eglinton-Lawrence (where I live) and Vancouver South will be interesting because these are the best ridings to see whether the Tories can break through into major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. I think Outrement and Edmonton-Strathcona are interesting because they'll be tests of whether the NDP can hold onto seats in provinces in which they haven't traditionally done very well. Saanich-Gulf Islands will determine whether the Green Party can finally get a seat in the HofC and establish themselves as a real force. Avalon in Newfoundland will be interesting because the Tories got shut out there last time after Danny Williams went against them and it will be interesting to see what happens with him gone.
In general I would just hope that the profiled ridings would be from different regions of the country, choose some rural, some urban, some suburban, different demographic makeups, etc.
Thu, 2011-04-07 18:24
#7
Interesting choice BagKitty...if you go with calgary city center, I can give some first hand experiences with Brian Pincott (NDP in 06), Natalie Odd (Green 08) and probably Gary Lehmann (NDP '11). (perhaps Keith Purdy in ... '04?, but I wasn't very active then)
If you prefer...Calgary East is currently struggling to get the 14 year incumbant Deepak Obhrai to attend an all candidates debate. I really doubt he will. [url=http://communities.canada.com/calgaryherald/blogs/insidealberta/archive/... article and open letter requesting his presence at the debate[/url]. Could make an interesting riding profile showing how absolutely dead federal politics are in calgary.
Not really up to date on Calgary West though, would definately be interested to see it profiled.
(lil ETA, reason I left NDP for green campaign is funding...very tired of operating campaigns at under 10k...we can't even get lawn signs when we want them, atleast Natalie had 25k+ at her disposal. Profile Calgary-West and you may see what a $2000 NDP campaign looks like)
Thu, 2011-04-07 18:44
#8
South Shore-St. Margaret's would be an excellent choice.
The riding has gone from being a (Progressive) Conservative strong-hold, where the Liberals were always in second place from it's creation in 1968 (South Shore) except for the Chretien sweep of 1993, to today, where the NDP came just 932 votes short of an historic victory in the 2008 election.
Sasktoon-Rosetown-Biggar is another good choice, but that seat has switched it's voting patterns continually over the past decades.
A nice contrast in ridings where the Conservatives stand the best chance of being defeated.
Thu, 2011-04-07 19:02
#9
Irene Mathyssen, NDP, has always come out strong in London-Fanshawe riding, surrounded by CPC, Heritage Party, and of course, Liberals. I think she's done a fabulous job and would be very sad to see her defeated.
Glean Pearson, despite being Liberal, is her closest ally in London and a favourite of local organized labour, but as moderately left as he is, he's still Liberal.
London is a very small-c conservative city, but has pockets of activist and left-wing pro-labour voters who ensure we're not entirely engulfed by the right. However, I'm seeing so many Canadian Heritage Party signs here, it's creeping me out. I don't really think we'll end up with a CHP MP from London, but it's still disturbing to see the level of support.
My god (who exists only as a metaphor), how Xtian right-wing is this region?
Thu, 2011-04-07 19:39
#10
Unless they are all on lawns, the only thing it tells you is that the CHP has some wealthy supporters - nothing more.
I'll plug Huron-Bruce as an example how a good progressive candidate can build a riding to be competative.
Thu, 2011-04-07 21:23
#11
bagkitty
@Searosia:
Do I get something thrown at me for pointing out that the Odd campaign delivered 7661 votes on a budget of $29,509 (works out to $3.9 spent on each vote) whereas the Pincott campaign delivered 7227 votes on a budget of $8,689 (works out to $1.2 spent on each vote).
As for Calgary East, I wish the national media had paid some attention when Elizabeth Thomas was carrying the standard for the NDP against Obrhai. He is such a dolt (although everyone I know who has met them says both his wife and daughter make up for it by being extremely intelligent and personable).
Centre North would also be interesting to cover, given the work that John Chan did in establishing the NDP as the alternative to Prentice... should be interesting with no incumbent, and I am sure Paul Vargis will make quite sure that any all candidates meeting will be lively (whether or not the Con condesends to appear).
Fri, 2011-04-08 00:26
#12
I'd like to see rabble.ca come to Western Canada and talk about the NDP-Con swing out West. Maybe some of the Saskatchewan ridings that stayed NDP in 1993 but are now no hope? Yorkton and Prince Albert have gone NDP federally but are now not in contention, I think those issues and discussion of strategy to counteract it would be worthwhile.
Fri, 2011-04-08 00:50
#13
Saanich - GI.
Fri, 2011-04-08 13:08
#14
Definitely Outremont. We need to be talking more about Mulcair's political stances and whether it makes sense to support him in order to maintain an NDP seat or if it is more dangerous to see a Liberal or Conservative win.
Fri, 2011-04-08 15:24
#15
Bagkitty, I need a reason to throw stuff at you? ;) novel concept
Money per vote follows an exponential curve, tis not 1 to 1 with money spent to votes gained... We did jump from 11% popular support to 16% with Natalie Odd though, the money did have an impact... Though if you look at the votes, all we really did was rearrange the opposition votes (and perhaps pick up a few new voters while a bunch of conservatives sat on their hands)...Natalie's street team was pretty active and it gave some hope that we could unite as green. Time is right to unite the left under NDP here
We're quite used to running on shoestring budgets...Kinda want to relink to my plea to the NDP thread...our money troubles are really obvious and it's where we need some federal support (not in giving us money, but in helping fundraising efforts).
Catchfire - Another reason why Calgary East would be an interesting riding to watch...NDP came in second with a budget of $831 under Ian Vaughan (Cons tend to average 75'000 per calgary riding to contrast how tiny $831 really is). Might be really interesting to profile a NDP campaign in a riding where funding is a little more abundant and contrast it to a NDP campaign team that can barely afford photocopies
Centre North would also be interesting to cover, given the work that John Chan did in establishing the NDP as the alternative to Prentice... should be interesting with no incumbent, and I am sure Paul Vargis will make quite sure that any all candidates meeting will be lively (whether or not the Con condesends to appear).
I hope it flows over, but alot of this was Chan's personal following....unsure if it'll traslate to the party given another candidate. We'll see I guess
Fri, 2011-04-08 15:28
#16
Catchfire - Another reason why Calgary East would be an interesting riding to watch...NDP came in second with a budget of $831 under Ian Vaughan (Cons tend to average 75'000 per calgary riding to contrast how tiny $831 really is). Might be really interesting to profile a NDP campaign in a riding where funding is a little more abundant and contrast it to a NDP campaign team that can barely afford photocopie
This sounds like a great suggestion to me.
Fri, 2011-04-08 15:32
#17
bagkitty
I "third" that... perhaps the NDP office types who lurk here could pay a little attention to it too!
[ETA: and the first person who pulls out the "all boats rise with the tide" line gets something thrown at them... and by something I mean heavy, pointy and guaranteed to cause an injury that cannot be treated at home]
Fri, 2011-04-08 15:46
#18
Pope Teddywang
Saanich/Gulf Islands, where local Orchardists have spent ten years wresting control of the local Liberal riding association from the local G. Campbell types, and are now preparing to run a second campaign with a local resident who is also a climate scientist as candidate.
It is my feeling that The Conspiracy is likely to be far more alarmed about the possibility of an Orchardista beachhead in the federal government than they could ever be about the possibilty of a lone Green MP.
Princess Grrrreat's sudden presence in our midst is likely to accomplish nothing more than the same vote-splitting she performed on Peter MacKay's behalf last time around.
Gwyn Morgan now lives in our riding, and dirty tricks are to be expected.
Fri, 2011-04-08 15:46
#19
Oshawa ON
Fri, 2011-04-08 18:25
#20
CathyCrowe
Brant in Ontario.
Sat, 2011-04-09 21:38
#21
SeasonallyAdjus...
BROME-MISSISQUOI at http://www.democraticspace.com/canada2011/quebec/brome-missisquoi for 2008 , and
PAPINEAU at http://www.democraticspace.com/canada2011/quebec/papineau/ for 2008 , because in both cases for this election so far it is too close to call between the Liberals and the Bloc.
In Papineau Justin Trudeau (the son of the PE and Margaret Trudeau) is running against Vivian Barbot, the Bloc candidate and social worker who beat out Pierre Pettigrew (previous Liberal cabinet minister under Paul Martin and inheritor of the previously safe liberal riding of Papineau).
In Brome-Missisquoi the current Bloc candidate is the former NDP candidate. The current Liberal candidate has held the at least riding twice in the past.
Sat, 2011-04-09 23:09
#22
BROME-MISSISQUOI at http://www.democraticspace.com/canada2011/quebec/brome-missisquoi for 2008 , and
PAPINEAU at http://www.democraticspace.com/canada2011/quebec/papineau/ for 2008 , because in both cases for this election so far it is too close to call between the Liberals and the Bloc.
In Papineau Justin Trudeau (the son of the PE and Margaret Trudeau) is running against Vivian Barbot, the Bloc candidate and social worker who beat out Pierre Pettigrew (previous Liberal cabinet minister under Paul Martin and inheritor of the previously safe liberal riding of Papineau).
In Brome-Missisquoi the current Bloc candidate is the former NDP candidate. The current Liberal candidate has held the at least riding twice in the past.
I see that David Marler, who ran for the Conservatives in 2008 then blew the whistle on them over the In-and-Out scandal, is running as an Independent in Brome
Mon, 2011-04-11 17:17
#23
Surrey North. I live here and it's a fascinating demography of a riding.
Mon, 2011-04-11 17:25
#24
Malcolm
My god (who exists only as a metaphor), how Xtian right-wing is this region?
My God (who exists, really) this Xtian left winger enjoyed that.
Mon, 2011-04-11 17:27
#25
Malcolm
I believe Palliser is the only constituency where one of the candidates is a registered rabble-rouser.
Tue, 2011-04-12 00:41
#26
Some more ridings that could be interesting:
Welland (ON) - Malcolm Allen of the NDP won this narrowly, with the Conservatives in second and the Liberal MP John Maloney in third. Maloney is running again, and there could be a real third-way battle.
Sault Ste. Marie (ON) - Held by Tony Martin of the NDP, the Conservatives saw their vote surge here in '08 and the Liberals (traditionally strong in the Soo) slip to a very distant third. The Tories are heavily targeting this seat.
Edmonton East (AB) - The #2 target for the NDP in Alberta, with Ray Martin running again, though it's still quite an uphill climb.
Gatineau (QC) - The most likely pickup for the NDP in Quebec, with Francoise Boivin coming in second last time and running again.
St. John's-Mount Pearl (NF) - Very close call for the NDP just behind the Libs. A popular radio host Ryan Cleary is running again, and this time there isn't an "ABC" campaign in Newfoundland.
Parkdale-High Park (ON) - Peggy Nash is trying to regain this seat after an upset from Gerard Kennedy.
Burnaby-Douglas (BC) - An open seat with the retirement of Bill Siksay - NDP candidate Kennedy Stewart faces Chinese-language broadcaster Ronald Leung, who came within 800 votes last time.
Tue, 2011-04-12 00:45
#27
I'd like to see rabble.ca come to Western Canada and talk about the NDP-Con swing out West. Maybe some of the Saskatchewan ridings that stayed NDP in 1993 but are now no hope? Yorkton and Prince Albert have gone NDP federally but are now not in contention, I think those issues and discussion of strategy to counteract it would be worthwhile.
NDP-Tory battles are mainly a western phenomenon, but there's quite a few in Ontario now as well. Oshawa is the most obvious, but there's also London-Fanshawe, Sault Ste Marie and Welland.
Tue, 2011-04-12 10:58
#28
Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound in Ontario.
Interesting, because the incumbent is the meanest, ugliest, least civilized of reform/alliance, and he has a lot of conservative support - but i suspect these farmers were more comfortable with the real, old-style PC. We also have a growing population of retirees, mostly from the big smoke and environs, and i'm sure they've brought a variety of political views that's not necessarily in Larry's favour.
And the Green party has shown considerable strenght in past elections, there being a lively alternative and progressive element scattered through an enormous, heterogenous (gerymandered) riding.
Moreover, the Green, Liberal and NDP candidates are all female - and the Good Metaphorical knows we need more women in Ottawa!. What i would like to see is the other two getting behind Emma Hogbin... a sort of local coalition to vanquish the FOE.
Thu, 2011-04-14 12:12
#29
scott
I don't know if it is worthy of a profile, but another Edmonton are riding to watch is Edmonton-Sherwood Park. Nomnally a safe Con seat, incumbent con Tim Uppal is being strongly challenged by Independant James Ford. Ford's candidacy results from a split in the local riding assosiation and he came withing striking distance in 2008. If Ford wins he would probably sit as an independant conservative. A wash in terms of influence in the house but it would kick Harpo's numbers down by one.
Thu, 2011-04-14 12:40
#30
Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound in Ontario.
Interesting, because the incumbent is the meanest, ugliest, least civilized of reform/alliance, and he has a lot of conservative support - but i suspect these farmers were more comfortable with the real, old-style PC. We also have a growing population of retirees, mostly from the big smoke and environs, and i'm sure they've brought a variety of political views that's not necessarily in Larry's favour.
Not so sure about that. Reform/Alliance did way better than the PCs when there was vote-splitting on the right in BGOS.
Thu, 2011-04-14 15:26
#31
alex
Thanks for all your input...based on feedback we received from you and our social media networks we've decided to write profiles on the ridings below. And, we're looking for writers to help us with profiles of Burnaby-Douglas, Avalon and Trinity-Spadina...any writers out there interested? Feel free to drop us a line at editor [@] rabble.ca
Edmonton-Strathcona (AB)
Saanich-GI (BC)
Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar (SK)
Burnaby-Douglas (BC)
Avalon (NFLD)
Trinity-Spadina (ON)
Outremont (QC)
Winnipeg North (MB)
Vancouver Island North (BC)
Thu, 2011-04-14 15:30
#32
knownothing
Tight Tory - NDP race here in my riding of Palliser. Boughen for the Torys is 73 years old and NDP cadidate Noah Evanchuk is 31 smart, lawyer with a handle on small business. Sure would be great to get some numbers besides canada308.
Thu, 2011-04-14 15:56
#33
remind
Think Karen Gventer would be a better choice in Owen Sound..
Thu, 2011-04-14 16:53
#34
Think Karen Gventer would be a better choice in Owen Sound..
I'm inclined to think so, too, but i've been unable to contact her, as yet. Don't think she has a snowball's chance, though: too many cattlemen and ... bi- um... well, you know.
Thu, 2011-04-14 16:59
#35
Pope Teddywang
Looks more and more to me like Liz May is a professional spoiler candidate, brought in by the Cons to shore up the vote-splitting in SGI.
At Catch-22 any discussion of strategic alternatives (especially a surprisingly progressive Liberal) is attacked in the doctrinaire Tory-troll fashion.
It is clear that they have operatives policing these sites and are attempting to herd us toward the Greens in much the same way CBC's VoteCompass/massive viewer poll did.
May cannot take Saanich.
Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier live here now, and dirty tricks are to be expected.
Thu, 2011-04-14 17:05
#36
Edmonton-Strathcona (AB)
I'm not sure if I'd bother with that riding anymore....you'll be profiling whats starting to appear as a very safe NDP seat
Thu, 2011-04-14 18:46
#37
scott
It's not over till it's over in Ed-Strath. With 3000 green votes in play, many angry at the debate exclusion, and a 500 vote margin last time I wouldn't call it safe. It is still a very interesting riding to watch. An increased youth vote and problems with the Con campaign mean it will probably stay in NDP hands, but a lot can happen in 2 weeks.
Thu, 2011-04-14 20:42
#38
I'm disappointed in Rabble's choices. I wish I had seen this thread earlier as I think it would have been more interesting to write about "dark horse" ridings, which would have also maybe bumped up the profile of these ridings in the MSM. The ridings that were picked have already been heavily written about...for many years now. My suggestions (from East to West):
Saint John (Con incumbent, 3-way race)
Scarborough-Rouge River (#1 vis min riding in Canada and no incumbent)
Laval-les-Iles (potential four-way race with the retirement of Lib incumbent)
Provencher (former Manitoba NDP justice minister Al Mackling takes on former Manitoba Con justice minister Vic Toews and the Conservatives prisons agenda)
Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River (former chief of the Saskatchewan Federation of Indian Nations takes on rookie Conservative MP Rob Clark)
Edmonton East (NDP came a strong second here and has won before, can former provincial NDP leader of the official opposition Ray Martin boost turnout and beat one of Parliament's laziest Con MPs?)
Kootenay-Columbia (no incumbent, former Con riding, Liberal turned NDPer, NDPer turned independent, Layton visited)
Thu, 2011-04-14 21:07
#39
Think Karen Gventer would be a better choice in Owen Sound..
I'm inclined to think so, too, but i've been unable to contact her, as yet. Don't think she has a snowball's chance, though: too many cattlemen and ... bi- um... well, you know.
This is way off topic, but it strikes me that something interesting gets revealed when you consider the side by side ridings of BGOS and Huron-Bruce. In BGOS the Greens are a force and are almost non-existent in HB. In BGOS the NDP is in a shambles, but next door they are contenders and high profile. In BGOS the Liberals picked a pretty darn good Liberal candidate who is pulling their fortunes up, while next door the dud mayor of Brockton is pulling the Liberals down. In BGOS 3 women candidate and one male. In HB all male. In BGOS the Conservatives have this brash highish profile MP who is well liked despite the reputation as a complete jerk. In HB the Conservative MP is pretty invisible, and a bit arrogant, but not as much of an jackass.
It is funny how two ridings that have so much in common can have such a different political cultures.
Fri, 2011-04-15 08:09
#40
Interesting to note that none of the ridings in the Maritime provinces are being profiled. 
Fri, 2011-04-15 16:55
#41
Interesting to note that none of the ridings in the Maritime provinces are being profiled.
Sign Caissa up to profile Saint John!
Fri, 2011-04-15 17:00
#42
I believe Palliser is the only constituency where one of the candidates is a registered rabble-rouser.
And a brilliant, young, and dynamic one at that.
Fri, 2011-04-15 17:10
#43
I'd like to see rabble.ca come to Western Canada and talk about the NDP-Con swing out West. Maybe some of the Saskatchewan ridings that stayed NDP in 1993 but are now no hope? Yorkton and Prince Albert have gone NDP federally but are now not in contention, I think those issues and discussion of strategy to counteract it would be worthwhile.
NDP-Tory battles are mainly a western phenomenon, but there's quite a few in Ontario now as well. Oshawa is the most obvious, but there's also London-Fanshawe, Sault Ste Marie and Welland.
Or the Windsor seats or Sarnia-Lambton.
Don't forget the three-way race in Essex where the NDP and Liberals are running strong candidates trying to defeat a Conservative MP. Or the same in Kenora (NDP running an FN woman). Exciting stories to be had there for the first media outlet to give them national profile.
Fri, 2011-04-15 17:12
#44
Brant in Ontario.
The NDP campaign here is a great example of people power and a candidate rooted in social justice. The NDP finished a distant third here in 2008 but candidate Marc Laferriere has done such a great job fundraising, volunteering, building the party's profile in the community, and organising the local campaign that Jack Layton (and many other NDP "stars", including Cathy Crowe I see") has been to visit several times, including near the beginning of the campaign. The Conservatives are the incumbents in this seat.
Fri, 2011-04-15 17:17
#45
Interesting choice BagKitty...if you go with calgary city center, I can give some first hand experiences with Brian Pincott (NDP in 06), Natalie Odd (Green 08) and probably Gary Lehmann (NDP '11). (perhaps Keith Purdy in ... '04?, but I wasn't very active then)
If you prefer...Calgary East is currently struggling to get the 14 year incumbant Deepak Obhrai to attend an all candidates debate. I really doubt he will. [url=http://communities.canada.com/calgaryherald/blogs/insidealberta/archive/... article and open letter requesting his presence at the debate[/url]. Could make an interesting riding profile showing how absolutely dead federal politics are in calgary.
Not really up to date on Calgary West though, would definately be interested to see it profiled.
(lil ETA, reason I left NDP for green campaign is funding...very tired of operating campaigns at under 10k...we can't even get lawn signs when we want them, atleast Natalie had 25k+ at her disposal. Profile Calgary-West and you may see what a $2000 NDP campaign looks like)
Ugh! Deepak Obhrai. That guy is so pathetic. He falls asleep in committee meetings on Parliament Hill all the time. Somebody please send him a wake-up call.
Fri, 2011-04-15 17:24
#46
Interesting choice BagKitty...if you go with calgary city center, I can give some first hand experiences with Brian Pincott (NDP in 06), Natalie Odd (Green 08) and probably Gary Lehmann (NDP '11). (perhaps Keith Purdy in ... '04?, but I wasn't very active then)
If you prefer...Calgary East is currently struggling to get the 14 year incumbant Deepak Obhrai to attend an all candidates debate. I really doubt he will. [url=http://communities.canada.com/calgaryherald/blogs/insidealberta/archive/... article and open letter requesting his presence at the debate[/url]. Could make an interesting riding profile showing how absolutely dead federal politics are in calgary.
Not really up to date on Calgary West though, would definately be interested to see it profiled.
(lil ETA, reason I left NDP for green campaign is funding...very tired of operating campaigns at under 10k...we can't even get lawn signs when we want them, atleast Natalie had 25k+ at her disposal. Profile Calgary-West and you may see what a $2000 NDP campaign looks like)
Ugh! Deepak Obhrai. That guy is so pathetic. He falls asleep in committee meetings on Parliament Hill all the time. Somebody please send him a wake-up call.
Harper prefers his MPs that way
Fri, 2011-04-15 17:38
#47
It is kinda suiting...Deepak is quite representative of Calgary's ability to ignore federal politics.
He's actually in one of the ridings that could potentially turn on the conservatives (although the liberal vote collapsed there...the Liberal '08 campaign was generally taken as a FU to calgary)...it's heavily immigrant commnunities that has a stronger anti-conservative voice than the south end of the city and one of the calgary ridings that I think dipped below 50% turnout in '08
Sat, 2011-04-16 08:40
#48
Simcoe-Grey (Ontario)
Helena Guergis (independant conservative)
Alex Smardenka (Liberal)
Kellie Leitch (Conservative)
Thu, 2011-04-21 14:30
#49
Catchfire
First profiled riding: Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar (hat-tip bagkitty and David Young!)
Kelly Block was relatively unknown when she ran and won for the Conservatives in 2008, having previously served as mayor of the town of Waldheim, outside of the riding. Like many of the Cons candidates in 2008, she kept a low profile and stayed out of the community debates.Though she won, the Cons margin of victory dropped from 1,919 votes in 2006 to 262 in 2008. Without a cabinet spot or any other major role in the government, has Block built enough of a profile in three years to win back that lost support?
And 2011 marks Nettie Wiebe's third run for the NDP in S-R-B. The voters know her and she has public profile as former president of the National Farmers' Union.
Running an organic family farm near Laura gives her a strong personal connection to the rural part of the riding. But she is no stranger to urban issues -- she works in Saskatoon as a professor at St. Andrew's College.
Wiebe came very close in 2008 -- will the third time be the charm in 2011?
Here's what is adding to the drama:
Thu, 2011-04-28 14:04
#50
alex
Hey babblers,
We're still looking for writers to profile Burnaby-Douglas (BC) and Avalon (NFLD) ...can anyone recommend a writer?
Thu, 2011-04-28 17:06
#51
I recommend kropotkin1951 for Burnaby-Douglas. You can see kropotkin1951's qualifications for this responsibility from what they added to this interesting thread here.
There are other babblers in that thread that would also be qualified.