Day 3: A few quick hitters this A.M.

Losers: Atlantic Tory strategists for parachuting a candidate into Bill Casey's riding of Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley. I said this riding could have an ill effect on other campaigns throughout the province (as well as neighbouring provinces), and it hasn't disappointed. The perception of the party has plummeted considerably in just two days because of this bonehead decision made in Ottawa. If I were a Tory in a winnable riding, I'd be furious.

Winner: Elizabeth May for getting booted from the debates. We all know the media loves a victim. And because it was an unfair move by Big Networks (all men as she pointed out), she’ll get a second look by a lot of folks who are not only turned off by the campaign vitriol, but disgusted with the process in general. Furthermore, she has pushed the news cycle for two days on this issue. Good (and free) PR for her. Update: It's now morphed into a website.

Loser: Stéphane Dion for calling Harper a "liar". With so many uncertainties about Dion and his party's policies, he ends up being the lead for all the wrong reasons today (some in the local MSM have even run with it ). Not good for someone who needs to clearly define himself and fast.

Losers: Both parties for trying to set the agenda way too early (6 a.m. for the Tories) Yikes! Methinks the press will beat this to death until they both capitulate and let them sleep in.

Local Winner: Conservative candidate Daniel Allain for drawing a huge crowd at his " Campaign for Change Rally" at the Crown Plaza and gaining considerable momentum in Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe. It would seem that Allain, much like Barack Obama, has made excellent use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in his bid to dethrone the Liberal incumbent, Brian Murphy. Moreover, this strategy could go a long way in casting him as a young, capable candidate who is ready to take on the tough challenges in a complex world. Other politicians in NB, both federal and provincial, should definitely be taking notice.

Policy losers: The Liberals and Dion. Accused yesterday of being a "gamble" by the Tories, twenty-four hours later Dion has turned from a gamble to a gambler, promising to "double up" on the $1,200-a-year child care allowance and restore the court challenges program. I think people will see through this "promise everything" style of campaigning, especially if it involves their own money.