Monday, September 8, 2008

NBer and former Tory staffer to run against Casey


Nobody said politics was fair


Steven Maher from the Chronicle Herald is reporting that former political staffer, Joel Bernard, will be carrying the conservative banner in Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

Let's just say that parachuting in a candidate from outside the province will definitely pose a host of problems for the Tories, but one thing is for certain, things will definitely start heating up in that riding. I wonder if MacKay and Keddy will campaign on Joel's behalf and against their former friend and colleague?

Regardless, Mr. Casey still had the line of the day for Day 2 of the campaign regarding his new political opponent: "I’m looking forward to introducing him to the riding,” he said. “I don’t think he’s ever been here before, so I’ll enjoy introducing him to Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.” Ouch!

Read full story from the Herald.
















Related
: Will Bill Casey's campaign spill over into NB?

Update: Thanks to nbpolitico, we find that out that Joel Bernard was a former MLA and deputy speaker in the NB legislature. Nothing like being undersold by the Halifax press. ;)

9 comments:

nbpolitico said...

"Joel Bernard, who has run unsuccessfully in political races in both Ontario and New Brunswick, was appointed by the party."

Ouch, no mention that he was an MLA and deputy speaker of the legislature!

Anonymous said...

This guy has no shot. He will end up being a political piñata for Harper in Nova Scotia. He could take bluenose province to a whole new level.

nbt said...

Thx nbp. I'll update that above.

Anonymous said...

Harper's message is only selling with Rodney and MacKay. And that will only remain if the money keeps flowing into their coffers.

nbt said...

Not sure I agree with that, bill. You would be surprised how many young libertarians and neo-cons there are waiting in the wings to replace the old school Tories.

The chap in Halifax that started up the Atlantica Party, Jonathan Dean, and his modest following are proof of that.

Paul said...

Joel Bernard doesn't have two clues to put together. He is a joke. He was my MLA and he was terrible and everyone thinks the guy is a dork...he left northern nb because after lord got turfed no one would hire him...all he has to do is open his mouth and people will see how shallow he is.

Joel Bernard...that's funny...he is an acadian with zero roots in Northern Nova Scotia....He's a sacrificial lamb, who is doing it for a job...

Anonymous said...

I have to agree, Paul. It was a very bad decision on the Tories part to parachute this guy in. My opinion is, they should have let sleepings dogs lie and worked to strengthen their cause there after the election. I even think Casey said at a town hall a year ago he may be only in it for one election as many behind the scenes are respectfully begging him to shut it down.

Neal Ford said...

Perhaps Mr. Harper should have backed off on this riding, assuring that it will land in the hands of one who will vote with the Tories more often than not, as they did in Prtneuf-Jacques Cartier in the case of Andre Arthur
(see: http://libertystorch.blogspot.com/2008/09/tories-will-not-run-candidate-in.html)
There would always be the posibility that post election, Mr. Casey may see fit to rejoin caucus.
Better than a Liberal getting the seat.
Nevertheless, I see a Casey hold, big party shenanigans notwithstanding.

nbt said...

Well said, Neal. Maybe the PMO see it fit to ruffle a few feathers in Nova Scotia as opposed to La belle province. Why? I think that answer may come sooner then you think.