The NDP sends out its “rapid response” frequently as a type of reality check against the other parties. Today, Paul Martin said in Whitby, Ontario, that Canadians should be scared ofpoliticians with close links to former Ontario Conservative Premier Mike Harris.

The NDP’s response? Here it is:

Okay.

How about “scary” Belinda Stronach — Mike Harris‘ choice for PrimeMinister?

“[A] person with vision, a person with experience, a person withcourage, a person who has the ideas, and a person who has the convictionthat can help Canada recover to be the number one country in the world.” — Mike Harris nominating Belinda Stronach for CPC Leader, Toronto Sun,January 29, 2004.

“I believe Mike Harris made the most significant mark on Ontario and I did goto him seeking advice.” — Belinda Stronach, Toronto Star, January 25,2004.

How about “scary” Scott Brison, Liberal candidate for Kings-Hants in Nova Scotia?

“Tax reduction and significant tax cuts resonate significantly withCanadians as do messages from governments that keep their word. Mike Harris and Ralph Klein have remained consistent in keeping their wordand providing meaningful tax relief to Canadians.” — Scott Brison, Houseof Commons, June 10, 1999

How about “scary” Keith Martin, Liberal candidate for Esquimalt-Juan deFuca in B.C.?

“Premier Klein and Premier Mike Harris are trying to fix the publicly fundedhealth care system. This [Liberal] government has been gutting it.” — Keith Martin, November 19, 1999. (CTV reports today that the Victoria Times-Colonist quoted Keith Martin saying he did not attend his leader’s health-policy announcement earlier this week because of “philosophical differences” he had with his leader’s approach to health care.)

How about “scary” Gary Carr, Liberal candidate for Halton, ON?

Oakville South MPP Gary Carr says that when he talks about ProgressiveConservative Leader Mike Harris‘ “common sense revolution” he’s not justmouthing the party line. — Toronto Star, May 23, 1995

Of course, the only person Mike Harris was scared of was “scary” PaulMartin:

“The only thing that I would say is obscene when it comes to health careis the Liberal Party of Canada, through Paul Martin, slashing healthcare spending by over $2 billion to the province of Ontario.” — Mike Harris, Legislative Assembly, December 4, 1996.