Joined: Oct 08, 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Status: Offline
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject: Nova Scotia PC Leadership Race
The race to replace Hamm is on it's way, as potential candidates are calling old friends, old adversaries, old neighbours, and old politcos in hopes of shoring up support.
Of course, everyone thinks they can win at this stage. I'm hearing a lot of people who I never thought in a million years would take a stab at it, actually building teams.
So with that, here's my list of Contenders and Pretenders.
Contenders...
Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Immigration, and 30 other things.
This young buck from Cape Breton would be Nova Scotia's youngest Premier, but his popularity and work ethic would easily make up for his age problem The guy has more portfolios then any other Minister in Nova Scotia history, so I'm thinking he can handle the job of Premier with ease. He'll be in a tough race to win most of Cape Breton's votes, as another Islander may be in the race, but he has the support of Antigonish MLA Angus MacIssac, which does carry a lot of weight.
Neil LeBlanc, former Minister of Fiance.
Neil went home after the 2003 election to spend more time with his family. Apparently two years is all he needed, as the talk is he's ready to return to the Big Game. He has a large network across the province, has been a part of not only John Hamm's government, but also John Buchannons, and he's always been thought of as the next leader. However, he seems to be fitting the mold that both Ernie Eves and Paul Martin fit into... successful finance minister coming back to lead the government... only to fail miserably...
Judy Streatch, MLA for Chester - St. Margaret's
Judy won't run just to be the token woman. If she were to enter, she'd enter to win. Very popular, and has deep roots in the party. Her father is a former cabinet minister, her brother is a Halifax city councilor, and her partner Gerald Keddy is a Member of Parliament. Judy has an amazing communications/political strategy team from across the province at her disposal that would make her an instant threat to win. However, her young age coupled with her inexperience may push her to sit this one out. But take note, the day after the new leader is elected, her leadershp campaign begins.
Cecil Clarke, Minister of Energy
Cecil is a tremondous speaker, great minister, has the 'look' of a leader, and represents his riding well. Rumours of his sexual orientation shouldn't be taken into account. It's ridiculous and the only people I ever hear complaining about it are big 'L' Liberals. Apparently they're the party that thinks of having a token gay is great, but having a gay leader is wrong. Progressive Conservatives want what's best for the province, and Clarke may be just that.
PRETENDERS...
Ernie Fage, Minister of Something
Dude has tonnes of cash, is an accomplished Minister, and has the respect of caucus. However, he doesn't seem to have "it," and his provincial network is shady at best.
Bill Black, Candidate for Halifax - Citadel
Black won the nomination in an upset, and that has reportedly fueled his ego to the point where he thinks he can win the Top Job. Like Fage, he's got the big bucks, and like Fage, he has no provincial network.
Brooke Taylor, MLA for Colchester - Musqoudobit Valley
Ha ha ha ha ha, Brooke Taylor, ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Michael Baker, Minister of Justice
Horrible speaker, and probably wouldn't even be able to win his riding if they go with a delegated system. His best bet is to sit this one out and support who he thinks will win.
Bill Casey, MP for Cumberland - Colchester
The only rumours of Casey running are coming from Ottawa, as he apparently isn't well liked in Nova Scotia political circles. Why, I have no idea. He seems to be an effective MP, and is in the media a lot for a variety of issues. But if you're not liked by the grass roots, you're probably not going to get their votes.
Okay, one thing I notice here is the lack of John's. No, I don't mean men.
Last three Premier's to win a majority government in Nova Scotia were John Buchannon, John Savage, and John Hamm. The two to lose in that span were Donnie Cameron and Russel MacLellan. Anyone else find Rodney MacDonald's name similar to those in terms of syllable's?
I like Rodney myself. I knew him before his political life and liked him, and unlike most people that get into politics I still like him. Sure he has made some mistakes, but when he first got in people at home figured he would simply be a whipping boy, or someone that would simply follow the lead. I don't get that impression, however he is still very young so I am not sure how hw would stand up on the National arena against more experienced premiers.
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