Monday, September 8, 2008

Will Bill Casey's campaign spill over into NB?


The politics of negative campaigns


I see that Bill Casey has launched his campaign bid to be re-elected in the Nova Scotia riding of Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley as an independent. Now I won't get into the detailed logistics of that particular contest since it is obvious that Casey will not only most likely win on his popularity alone, he has the entire (and former) riding association and President on his side.

More importantly, I noticed in his press release that he has received an endorsement from the Green Party (and Elizabeth May) and NL premier Danny Williams (who said a year ago he would campaign for Casey due to the Atlantic accord fiasco). At first glance, I see such endorsements (and their possible anti-Harper rhetoric down the road) as a huge problem for Nova Scotia conservative candidates, not to mention, a potential obstacle for PEI and NB candidates as well. The negative rhetoric in Nova Scotia could ultimately spill over into ridings in Moncton, Miramichi, Saint John and Fredericton (where the races are very close between the Liberals and Conservatives).

Moreover, from what I hear, Scott Brison is still running unopposed by the conservatives in the Tory leaning riding of Kings-Hants. This obvious lack of organization by the Tories, coupled with Casey's pledge to work closely with him on environmental issues, could spring Brison free to campaign on behalf of other candidates (and parties) who oppose Harper. Not good. Although, I see senior Nova Scotia Tory Peter Mackay is already on the attack as he probably realizes this fact.

Let's just say, judging from the initial tone on day one, this has the roots to be a very nasty campaign in Atlantic Canada. Better buckle your seat belts folks!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Peter MacKay called Scott Brison a windsock' and said he he will move and shift just like this tax.. Hahahahahahaha. Now theres a good one. The pot calling the kettle black. What a hypocrit MacKay is. First of all, I may not think this Green Shift plan is a good one, but I certainly know that anything that comes from Two- Faced Liar Stephen Harper and his butt licking pet dog Peter MacKay has about as much credibility as someone defending his pitbull while the dog walks by with the neighbors cat in his jaws. Wheres the Tory plan for this Global issue. I still haven't heard anything coming from them. MacKay is nothing but a mouth piece for Harper. A backstabbing mouth piece at that. MacKay, do the voters in Nova Scotia a favor and resign before your tossed out.

nbt said...

John: Thanks for your comment. Just so you know, we try to encourage a civil debate on this blog. Although there was no profanity used, you are coming close to crossing the line.