I predict Jason Kenney ftw.
Conservative leadership race #1
Tue, 2013-07-16 09:32
#52
Wed, 2013-12-04 21:54
#53
I predict Jason Kenney ftw.
The name that springs to everyone’s lips is Jason Kenney, the Employment Minister, who seems to be in high dudgeon these days at some of the dumber decisions coming out of the Prime Minister’s Office.Yet, for any number of reasons — including his overt pro-life position — Mr. Kenney is said to believe the crown can never be his. If true, he is the ideal position to be king (or queen) maker.
It seems to me that the departure of Stephen Harper, quite inconceivable not so long ago, is now eminently conceivable. And the answer to the “who’s next” question is: “Whoever Jason Kenney wants it to be.”
Wed, 2013-12-04 22:40
#54
Are there any women we would be afraid of as Con leader? That could be a game-changer. Not saying it's likely, but look at the provinces.ETA: Crap, I forgot, I [b]hate[/b] the term "game-changer". I'll leave it there as a reminder to self.
Above, I listed Lisa Raitt (age 45) and Alison Redford (age 48), 20 months ago. Who's on the rise since then? Christy Clark (age 48)? Rona Ambrose (age 44)? Shelly Glover (age 46)??
Wed, 2013-12-04 22:59
#55
Nigel Wright (49)? Helena Guergis (44)?
Wed, 2013-12-04 23:44
#56
Posts reposted from 2nd thread on same topic which was started in error:
So who is going to be replacing Stephen Harper as Conservative Party Leader in 2014, when he is shown the door?
- Go to New
- Write to editor
- Support rabble
- Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailMore Sharing Services0
NorthReportJoined: Jul 6 2008Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 4:36pm
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
NorthReportJoined: Jul 6 2008Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 4:44pm#1
It is no longer a matter of if, but when will the Conservatives be thanking Harper for his services, and showing him the PMO exit door?
How badly has the Conservative brand been damaged, and will the Cons need to be bringing someone in from outside their Caucus, just like the BC NDP probably need to do, for their next Leader?
Regardless, from within or without, who are the realistic possibilities to replace Harper as Leader of the Conservatives?
Here are a few of the possibilities that comes to mind:
Jim Prentice
Jason Kenney
James Moore
socialdemocrati...Joined: Jan 10 2012Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 4:58pm#2
Jason Kenney is the one I fear the most. If there's one success that the Conservatives can brag about, it's making inroads with first and second generation immigrants. You can save your breath about getting people to vote against their own interests. Kenney helped Harper do what George Bush and Karl Rove only dreamed of doing: holding the white racist wing of the party at bay long enough to build inroads with ethnic minorities.
In America, they failed, and now nearly every non-white demographic absolutely hates the Republican party. In Canada, it's frighteningly the opposite, and loyally Conservative immigrant population would devastate this country.
And Kenney is the only one who has his Reform party bonafides, with enough shrewd strategery to keep his mouth shut like Harper. He's one of few Cosnervatives that could unite the party.
Nearly any other Conservative would turn the leadership contest into a battle between the PCs and the Reforms, and threaten the party with implosion. Not that they'd split into two parties again, but it could depress turnout among one wing or another.
CatchfireJoined: Apr 16 2003Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 5:25pm#3
God, if Kenney makes leader I might have to reconsider my moratorium on getting involved in electoral politics.
But why not Baird? Is he too close to Harper? And wasn't Joe Flaherty's distancing act during the senate scandal meant to increase his chances at a leadership bid?
onlinediscountanvilsJoined: Jun 7 2012Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 7:52pm#4
Catchfire wrote:
And wasn't Joe Flaherty's distancing act during the senate scandal meant to increase his chances at a leadership bid?
His team might want to work on his campaign slogan.
SineedJoined: Dec 4 2005Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 8:38pm#5
I met Jason Kenny in the vodka garden at the Polish Festival on Roncesvalles in September. He was chatting with my husband's boss when I shouldered through the crowd to meet him. He greeted me with a cheery, "Na Zdrowie!" and shook my hand. We chatted for a couple of minutes while my husband's boss fetched him a beer. He's a pleasant individual, and THE most polished politician I've ever personally met (and I met Jack, a friend of a friend, many times. He's waaay smoother than Jack). Later, when on stage with the band that came from Poland to play the festival, he spoke a few phrases in Polish, to cheers from the crowd. According to a Polish friend, his pronunciation was good. Contrast with Peggy Nash, who I like and respect a great deal, but when she went to introduce the band, she mangled their name, causing a ripple of laughter through the Polish-speaking members of the crowd. I asked one of them what she said, and it was the Polish word for sheep.
Speaking with my husband later, I quipped how I'm against everything Kenny stands for, but as a person I liked him. He's got that gift of making instant personal connections with total strangers, putting people at ease. Think Bill Clinton. I've met one other famous person that had this gift: George Ignatieff, who gave me my first university degree in 1986.
Kenny is talented, intelligent, hard-working and extreeemly ambitious. So yes; be very afraid.
pookieJoined: Dec 13 2005Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 9:05pm#6
Thx Sineed. That's v interesting.
I tend to agree with you. Kenney is clearly going for the long game and he's not just a paleo-con caricature. If he actually got the nomination, he could be formidable.
Over the last week, I've also thought Michael Chong has acquitted himself well. He alienated himself from the power base of the party, but I could see him having a broad appeal. He just sounds very reasonable.
UnionistJoined: Dec 11 2005Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 9:16pm#7
Are there any women we would be afraid of as Con leader? That could be a game-changer. Not saying it's likely, but look at the provinces.
ETA: Crap, I forgot, I hate the term "game-changer". I'll leave it there as a reminder to self.
socialdemocrati...Joined: Jan 10 2012Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 9:18pm#8
Liberals have been propping up Alison Redford in Alberta. I'm not just talking about provincial votes. I'm talking about national Liberal strategists and commentators gushing about how moderate and reasonable she is. She could easily be Conservative or Liberal leader at the rate those two parties are blurring together.
CanadaOrangeCatJoined: Apr 25 2013Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 9:55pm#9
When Harper whistles Dixie he will be able to play backup on a piano while his son comps on guitar.
CanadaOrangeCatJoined: Apr 25 2013Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 9:55pm#10
When Harper whistles Dixie he will be able to play backup on a piano while his son comps on guitar.
admaJoined: Jan 21 2006Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 10:03pm#11
Maxime Bernier?
Wilf DayJoined: Oct 31 2002Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 10:03pm#12
Excuse me, but the convention here has been, finish leadership thread #1 before starting thread #2.
CatchfireJoined: Apr 16 2003Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 10:03pm#13
oda wrote:
His team might want to work on his campaign slogan.
Lol! Oops!
pookieJoined: Dec 13 2005Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 10:17pm#14
Unionist wrote:
Are there any women we would be afraid of as Con leader? That could be a game-changer. Not saying it's likely, but look at the provinces.
ETA: Crap, I forgot, I hate the term "game-changer". I'll leave it there as a reminder to self.
I think Shelley Glover has chops.
WinstonJoined: Feb 17 2007Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 11:03pm#15
pookie wrote:
I think Shelley Glover has chops.
She could do very well. The one that scares me is Lisa Raitt. She is, unfortunately, very effective.
NorthReportJoined: Jul 6 2008Send PMDecember 4, 2013 - 11:31pm (new)#16
Wilf is correct, so please let's shift this conversation over there which is here and thanks
Wilf Day wrote:
Excuse me, but the convention here has been, finish leadership thread #1 before starting thread #2.
Thu, 2013-12-05 06:27
#57
Above, I listed Lisa Raitt (age 45) and Alison Redford (age 48), 20 months ago. Who's on the rise since then? Christy Clark (age 48)? Rona Ambrose (age 44)? Shelly Glover (age 46)??
As I wrote in the other thread (did not realize 2 were going), Lisa Raitt is the one that frightens me. She is frighteningly effective. I don't think it is the right time for her party for Alison Redford to leave Alberta, with the Wildrose breathing down their necks.
As for Christy, everything I've heard/read about her federal partisanship seems to suggest she's a federal Liberal. Moreover, fighting against him would not be giving Justin the thanks from her that he earned by making nice noises and looking pretty for her during the last Provincial election.
Thu, 2013-12-05 17:43
#58
If Raitt runs the knives will be out for her bigtime.
Thu, 2013-12-05 17:43
#59
duplicate
Thu, 2013-12-05 17:45
#60
Unionist, this post is for you.
Of course he is not resigning, until he says he is! 
It's too bad though that he is so wounded, as I was kinda hoping that he was going to stay on now and get politically destroyed in the next federal election.
Report Harper is preparing to announce resignation 'absolutely false': spokesman
http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/report-harper-is-preparing-to-announce-re...
Thu, 2013-12-05 18:00
#61
Jason Kenney can never be leader of the Conservative Party. He has never been married and there are all sorts of rumours about him being a closet gay etc... There is no way in a million years that the Conservative Party base will ever elect a leader who has no wife and no children and who may have all kinds of embarrasing personal secrets that would be TABOO to evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics. GONG. End of story.
Thu, 2013-12-05 18:06
#62
Times are a changin'.
Anyways the final leadership ballot will probably have the names of Brad Wall and Kenney on it.
Either way the Cons are going down, so I hope it is Wall that wins, which should then allow the SK NDP to rebuild and get re-elected again in Saskatchewan.
Thu, 2013-12-05 23:34
#63
Brad Wall cannot be a serious candidate for the Tory leadership. He speaks no French GONG!!!
Fri, 2013-12-06 00:18
#64
Haven't the Cons already given up on Quebec?
Fri, 2013-12-06 01:22
#65
Jason Kenney can never be leader of the Conservative Party. He has never been married and there are all sorts of rumours about him being a closet gay etc... There is no way in a million years that the Conservative Party base will ever elect a leader who has no wife and no children and who may have all kinds of embarrasing personal secrets that would be TABOO to evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics. GONG. End of story.
Maybe. Some would say he's also too overtly anti-choice. But perhaps the next leader of the CP will be whoever Jason Kenney wants to be leader.
Fri, 2013-12-06 04:32
#66
A lot of my Tory friends seem to really think Baird would make a good leader - and they're under no illusions about him. Thinking about it, he could be quite effective for them. I'm not sure he'd be very saleable in the so-con rural prairie Tory heartland, but it's not like they have much of a choice in parties to select from anyway.
I doubt he could win over the membership, even though I suspect he is the minister Harper himself trusts most. I just found it interesting that he would be touted by any Tory members/supporters
Times are a changin'.
Anyways the final leadership ballot will probably have the names of Brad Wall and Kenney on it.
Either way the Cons are going down, so I hope it is Wall that wins, which should then allow the SK NDP to rebuild and get re-elected again in Saskatchewan.
Fri, 2013-12-06 10:17
#67
Brad Wall has been working on his french. But I don't think he's what's stopping the NDP from coming back in SK.
Fri, 2013-12-06 11:11
#68
Haven't the Cons already given up on Quebec?
That may be - but its not about Quebec - its about the rest of the country. People in Ontario would see it as a big liability to have a Prime Minister who could not speak French - esp. given that for all we know the Prime Minister of Canada may be called upon to speak for Canada in a referendum in the next few years if Marois gets her way. Being fluently bilingual is now an absolutely prerequisite and price of entry into the national leadership sweepstakes in Canada. If you don't speak English and French almost perfectly you CANNOT be taken seriously as a candiate to lead a national political party. PERIOD.
Fri, 2013-12-06 11:17
#69
A lot of my Tory friends seem to really think Baird would make a good leader - and they're under no illusions about him. Thinking about it, he could be quite effective for them.
To be perfectly blunt - you can get as high as being a cabinet minister and be UNopenly gay and have the media be complicit in a "don't ask, don't tell" strategy. But there is a pink glass ceiling between that and the being leader of a major political party/Prime Minister. Any currently Conservative cabinet minister who is UNopenly gay and who has any planbs to run for their party leadership has two choices:
A. Publicly announce they are gay and position themself as a "new kind of Conservtaive" who is socially liberal and openly gay and proud of it etc... and as someone who can attract new voters to that party etc...
B. Marry a woman who is willing to be a "beard" and hope that none of their former bedmates go blabbing to the tabloid press or try to blackmail them.
There is no alternative....or there is one alternative - Don't Run!
Fri, 2013-12-06 17:05
#70
I still say Jason Kenney ftw. He has the organisation, the red meat conservatism, the constituency, the campaigning skill, and he's busted his hump for years learning French (why?), just like good ole Harpoon. The fact that he may be a closeted gay and who knows what else, is easily swept under the rug (as it has been for Baird and most of the Conservative office pool on the Hill) once he takes over the helm.
Sat, 2013-12-07 01:40
#71
Being a closeted gay is not so easily "swept under the rug" when we are talking about someone becoming Prime Minister of Canada. Conservative party members will not tolerate being led by someone who doesn't have a wife and prefereably children...the last thing they want is a leader who is an "intensely private bachelor" with many ex-lovers blabbing to gossip rags
Sat, 2013-12-07 07:11
#72
Toronto's Rob Ford. Unfortunately, he's not fluent in English.
Sat, 2013-12-07 07:17
#73
I do think that Conservative Party members will select someone who is a heterosexual "family" man or woman. Anyone who does not fit that image will be unofficially disqualified. Jason Kenney is a strong conservative with support from the different ethno-cultural communities. However, they are concentrated in a limited number of ridings across Canada. However, Jason Kenney could be a king/queen maker for whoever will be the next leader.
Sat, 2013-12-07 07:19
#74
I'll put my money on Jim Prentice if his French language skills are strong. He has conservative economic values while not being tainted by the Senate Scandal in any way.
Sat, 2013-12-07 11:50
#75
I'll put my money on Jim Prentice if his French language skills are strong. He has conservative economic values while not being tainted by the Senate Scandal in any way.
I also want to say that while I do not share Prentice's view of politics, he does not have that arrogant air around him that I see in most Conservatives. Probably one of the few right-wingers I could respect as a Prime Minister even though he would never win my vote or my support.
Sat, 2013-12-07 16:05
#76
I'll put my money on Jim Prentice if his French language skills are strong. He has conservative economic values while not being tainted by the Senate Scandal in any way.
New blood? He's three years older than Harper.
Sat, 2013-12-07 21:03
#77
If Jim Prentice runs again, he will lose again, for being too much of a moderate. Kenney is a prolific fundraiser as well. I think times have changed. Conservatives can be homophobes, like 98% of what he says, and decide they just don't want to know what goes on in his bedrom. To beat Kenney you need someone with at least as solid Conservative credentials as him and an organisation ready to go. Kenney may take a knee because he doesn't want the personal scrutiny, but still, why work so hard on learning French? Baird doesn't put in that effort.
Sat, 2013-12-07 22:36
#78
I've always found Jim Prentice to be a decent human being, sort of a John Tory on the federal stage.
I'll put my money on Jim Prentice if his French language skills are strong. He has conservative economic values while not being tainted by the Senate Scandal in any way.I also want to say that while I do not share Prentice's view of politics, he does not have that arrogant air around him that I see in most Conservatives. Probably one of the few right-wingers I could respect as a Prime Minister even though he would never win my vote or my support.
Sun, 2013-12-08 10:02
#79
You also can't underestimate the power of denial. If Kenney isn't in a relationship with another man, then a lot of Conservatives can tell themselves he's straight enough for their tastes. Rob Ford had all kinds of horrible signs that he had a substance abuse problem, but people could dismiss all of them until there was unequivocal evidence. Not that substance abuse is comparable to sexual orientation, but in the hardcore Conservative mind they're probably equally as bad.
Sun, 2013-12-08 12:31
#80
bagkitty
I'll put my money on Jim Prentice if his French language skills are strong. He has conservative economic values while not being tainted by the Senate Scandal in any way.I also want to say that while I do not share Prentice's view of politics, he does not have that arrogant air around him that I see in most Conservatives. Probably one of the few right-wingers I could respect as a Prime Minister even though he would never win my vote or my support.
Although I actually reside in Calgary Centre (briefly Calgary South Centre), I had worked quite closely with the Centre-North NDP in the three elections from 2004-2008. I am amazed that anyone could perceive Prentice as "... not hav[ing] that arrogant air around him that I see in most Conservatives." I will grant that he is what I like to refer to as a Conservative with table manners (take from that what you will) -- but his refusal to engage in debate or discussion during the election periods themselves strikes me a very typical Conservative arrogance, particularly within the context of Alberta. They believe that, having secured the Conservative nomination, there is no need to engage or put themselves before the electorate.... they (and Prentice was no exception) are notorious for not appearing in any all party debates or forums during election periods - and if that is not typical Conservative arrogance, I would be fascinated to find out what is.
To my mind, the perception that Prentice is somehow less arrogant than the typical Conservative is primarily the result of a fawning media who refuse to provide any critical coverage to local campaigns during federal elections, but rather serve as an echo chamber for the "national campaigns" and focus entirely on the antics of the party leaders.
Sun, 2013-12-08 15:07
#81
I had worked quite closely with the Centre-North NDP in the three elections from 2004-2008. I am amazed that anyone could perceive Prentice as "... not hav[ing] that arrogant air around him that I see in most Conservatives." I will grant that he is what I like to refer to as a Conservative with table manners (take from that what you will) -- but his refusal to engage in debate or discussion during the election periods themselves strikes me a very typical Conservative arrogance, particularly within the context of Alberta. They believe that, having secured the Conservative nomination, there is no need to engage or put themselves before the electorate.... they (and Prentice was no exception) are notorious for not appearing in any all party debates or forums during election periods - and if that is not typical Conservative arrogance, I would be fascinated to find out what is.To my mind, the perception that Prentice is somehow less arrogant than the typical Conservative is primarily the result of a fawning media who refuse to provide any critical coverage to local campaigns during federal elections, but rather serve as an echo chamber for the "national campaigns" and focus entirely on the antics of the party leaders.
I remember reading during the Coalition Crisis that Prentice, in his capacity as a Cabinet Minister (I think it was for the Environment) that he was far more conciliatory to the respective Opposition critics, and this was contrasted to Harper's "enemy-of-Canada" approach to anyone who disagreed with him.
Sun, 2013-12-08 17:23
#82
As for whether the Conservatives will pick a unilingual leader given their poor showing in Quebec, I believe the leadership rules still stipulate an equal weighting of ridings across the country. Quebec would therfore have either 75 / 308th or 78 / 330th of the weight, depending on whether the new redistribution governs.
A unilingual candidate would therefore be under an enormous handicap.
i know there was a move to change this at the last Conservative convention to OMOV but I don't think this went through.
Sun, 2013-12-08 22:07
#83
Mon, 2013-12-09 01:15
#84
Actually I want Harper to stay on as Leader as that is probably the Official Opposition's best opportunity to form the government in the next federal election.
Mon, 2013-12-09 07:08
#85
I expect that Harper will hang on and will not step down until after the next federal election (win or lose). Interesting article by Justin Ling talks about the chatter on the hill lately whether he stays / goes / calls an early election.
Tue, 2013-12-10 03:47
#86
There is no point in replacing Harper with someone from his front bench. If they want to really get another shot they would have to go to a back bencher (not much talent to work with) or someone like Jean Charest who I think would win if he ran and I would give him a solid chance to win the national election as well.
I think Charest would be a big problem for Trudeau who is reaching for centre-right. It might actually benefit the NDP which would still be distinct.
Tue, 2013-12-10 05:45
#87
I think Charest would be a big problem for Trudeau who is reaching for centre-right. It might actually benefit the NDP which would still be distinct.
I can't really see that happening. But it would be ironic in a way. The three party leaders would be a former Quebec Liberal, a current Liberal with a seat in Quebec, and a more recently former Quebec Liberal.
Tue, 2013-12-17 15:56
#88
THEO MOUDAKIS / TORONTO STAR
Published on Mon Dec 16 2013
Tue, 2013-12-17 20:08
#89
Harper's tragic year
Which is where we find Harper. By next election he will have been prime minister for about a decade, including one majority term. That’s as best as you can hope to get in contemporary politics.
Now unlike Hamlet, Harper stopped giving soliloquies once he was thrust centre stage. So we don’t know what’s been in his head since he became prime minister.
But judging by his writings and comments as opposition leader and Reform MP, it’s fair to conclude he’s largely failed to act as the politician he set out to be.
For a rumoured control freak, his handling of the Senate scandal has been lousy.
He can no longer keep a lid on the big tent that unifies all sentiment right of the increasingly left-leaning Liberals.
The social conservatives are kicking up dust. The fiscal conservatives don’t even blink at overspending these days.
Cabinet ministers are jockeying to position as next leader. If Michael Chong’s proposal to let caucus turf the leader was already in place, you can bet at least one minister would have tried a revolt when Senate mania was at its peak.
But forget politics. What about the real action – policy? Perhaps the biggest embarrassment is just how non-conservative the results have been.
If ballooning debt isn’t enough for you, try this one: On Dec. 15 the prime minister’s Twitter account posted a graphic celebrating 2013 as “our most productive year on record with 40 bills being passed.”
This is an embarrassment. Reform-era Harper would have likely chastised any so-called conservative who thought the point of government was to pass bills with wild abandon. Generally speaking, more bills mean more government.
In the United States, principled conservatives are attempting to slow growth by working on legislation limiting the number of pages that can be read in Congress in a day.
The EU trade deal is a conservative achievement regardless of how it firms up. It remains for posterity to decide, but it could be Harper’s legacy. And what of it? Nixon opened China to the world; little good that did him.
For the Harper haters this is all good sport. Those who always laughed at him will gladly put Mark Twain on his head and let comedy plus time equal tragedy.
But this is cold comfort for anyone – Mulcair and Trudeau included – who hopes to succeed him.
It would be reassuring to them if a simple aphorism could explain Harper’s annus horribilis. Know thyself? To thine own self be true? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? No, it’s never that easy.
Perhaps this tragedy isn’t about Harper after all. Does anyone think any other major player could implement some pure vision? It’s more likely this is just the tragedy of being in government. And the glory days don’t usually happen at the end.
Thu, 2013-12-19 01:39
#90
I agree with much of the article except for the idea that Harper being in trouble is in any way tragic.
Sat, 2014-02-01 16:29
#91
Time for that long walk in the snow Steve.
http://www2.macleans.ca/2014/01/29/why-stephen-harper-will-go-in-2014/
Sun, 2014-02-02 13:51
#92
Harper's government is going from bad to awful. Time to hit the road PM, as your day in the sun is done.
Fantino’s antics could be vote-killer
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2014-02-01/article-35988...
Thu, 2014-02-06 16:17
#93
Drummer in PM's band charged with sexual assault
The drummer in the band that accompanies Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, police confirmed Thursday.
Police say Phillip Nolan, a 43-year-old teacher, has been charged with 5 counts of sexual assault, 5 counts of sexual interference and 5 counts of sexual exploitation, dating back to incidents that occurred between 1998 and 2000. Nolan is a drummer for the band, Herringbone, which has accompanied Harper on lead vocals and keyboard.
Nolan was working as a teacher for grades 7 and 8 with the Ottawa-Carleton District School board at the time of the incidents, police said in a statement.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/drummer-in-pm-s-band-charged-with-sexual-as...
2500
Thu, 2014-02-06 16:20
#94
Video: Stephen Harper sings Sweet Caroline with his band
A member of Stephen Harper's band has been charged with sexual assault of students.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Video+Stephen+Harper+sings+Sweet+Caroline+w...
Fri, 2014-02-07 01:22
#95
Maxime Bernier.
He sells himself as a pro-business, small government libertarian with an almost tea party feel to some of his rhetoric.
Apparently, when he speaks to Alberta conservative crowds, they love the guy. He's off the radar but he's doing the groundwork.
Sat, 2014-02-08 19:10
#96
More complainants come forward in teacher sex-assault case
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/More+complainants+come+forward+teacher...
Mon, 2014-02-10 22:47
#97
Leaked Tory file shows 2015 strategy to promote PM’s wife, undermine Trudeau
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/leaked-tory-file-shows-2015...
Sat, 2014-02-22 12:25
#98
The latest series of polling results suggest Harper will be stepping down before the next election.
Jim Prentice may well be considering a run for the Con leadership.
Mon, 2014-02-24 10:04
#99
White Cat
If Prentice becomes Con leader we're sunk. It will be the same "starve the beast" agenda carried out by a fresh, likeable leader who can easily unite right-leaning voters. Like Mulroney (who led a united con party after the demise of Social Credit,) he will likely put together back-to-back majorities. (Right-leaning voters make up 40% of the vote, which is all that's needed.)
Prentice's recent foray into the headlines, saying Canada has to look beyond Obama's term in office to work with the US and reboot NAFTA, appears to have launched his unofficial leadership bid (for 2015 or after.) I read somewhere that Prentice stepped down as an MP as a leadership move. He wanted to put some distance between himself and Harper so as not to be associated with Harper when he inevitably fell out of favor with moderate conservatives (which is happening presently given the Cons are at 30% in the polls.)
Wed, 2014-03-05 18:19
#100
How come he missed out on being appointed to Senate?
Bruce Carson, former PMO staffer, has banking records seized by RCMP
Former senior adviser to Stephen Harper faces influence peddling charge, two lobbying investigations
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/bruce-carson-former-pmo-staffer-has-bank...
Wed, 2014-03-05 18:26
#101
Prentice is going to try and bail out the mess created by the Enbridge talking heads now.
Is he actually honing his skills to take a run at the Con leadership as well?