I was truly shocked last night. With all the reports of the orange crush I expected the NDP to take a few seats in the homeland. I expected the NDP to take a respectful amount in Quebec, but I didn't think they would obliterate the Bloc. Who would have guessed they would now represent the separatist interest in Canada. And the loss by the Liberals leaves me speechless, save for Bob Rae's suggestion last night of a possible merge of the NDP/Liberals. I always thought he was like the 'sleeper cell' planted by the NDP within the Liberal fortress. But I don't count the Liberals out for the future.
On the home front, Darren Hill should ask his pollster for his money back. His last bit of propaganda stated he was running neck and neck with the Trost. The results prove otherwise. In truth, I had hoped that if the Tories were going to lose seats in Saskatchewan that this would be the one to lose. Now I can only hope that Harper will yard Trost in and whack his peepee.
Yelich's win was not a surprise, although I thought Moore was a very good candidate. She was one of the NDP that I could have lived had she been elected.
I refrain from any comments on Vellacot.
My true joy came with Kelly Block's win. I think this woman is one of our best MPs and I am delighted that she was returned to office. The whole evening was a nail biter in this constituency. The NDP worked this area to death and I thought they might knock the Block off. Now, would someone explain to Wiebe about the three strikes rule, which she has now exceeded.
Nettie should hang up her spurs.
And we can all heave a sigh of relief that we will not have to deal with another Federal election for four years. Life is good - although some may not be feeling that well today as they feel the results of last night's celebrations or laments.
My final thoughts. Before the losers start with Harper getting a majority with only 40% of the popular vote, remember Layton got opposition leader status ith 70% of Canadians opposing him and with over half of his caucus coming out of a province that clearly sees itself as not being part of Canada.
Have a great day one and all.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant-runoff_voting
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wimp.com/alternativevoting/
Thanks for your input Dan
ReplyDeleteSoon we can remove Darren Hill from Ward 1!
ReplyDeleteSour grapes much Daniel B?
ReplyDeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteThat is such a poor way of electing an official. It is similarly open for criticism as any other system.
So what you are saying Dan is that you should be able to vote twice, the theory behind alternate voting system.
ReplyDeleteI get to vote for whoever I want, and in case that candidate is not successful then I should be able to have a second vote in order to determine who I don't want.
This is a democracy, you have your vote on how things should be run. How you choose to cast it is up to you, it is simply crying over the results to now come back and say reform is needed because you didn't get your way.
Funny, never head any complaints about the electoral system or of alternative voting prior to last night. Rather new phenomenon that has happened, where those on the losing end can't believe they lost.
So does a Trost win not vindicate exactly what he was saying from the beginning? That he was speaking for his electoral district? Some politicians could only hope to have the support of the numbers he an Velacott receive. I'm not saying I agree with all of their views but then again I don't vote in the constituency. As for having an opinion that favors pro-life he obviously is preaching to the converted.
ReplyDeleteNo, given voters vote for a political party and not the local candidate.
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:41 are you serious?? You think a neo-Nazi could have won that seat?? This isn't Quebec, I am sure 90% of those that voted for Trost support his pro-life stance. If you didn't would you vote for him.
ReplyDeleteAnon 7:47,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the premise on local candidates having weight on who you vote for (obviously unless you live in Quebec). However, I voted for Trost while I don't support his pro-life stance. I think that is true for a lot of his constituents.
People get so caught up on singular issues that they end up making folly decisions. I would bet that if Mr. Trost and myself sat down and scratched out our views on life on a napkin that there would be more than the pro-life pro-choice disagreement. All in all, he's a good representative for his ward, acts dutifully to his constituents and cares about our needs.
People saying that his win is vindication for his pro-life stance, or that anyone who voted for him is ignorant, are wrong. For the most part, people do not make their vote based simply on a singular issue (ie. whether the candidate is pro-life or pro-choice). When there is a really troubled candidate (ie Jim Pankiw) all bets are off the table though.
Local candidates rarely matter to voters as voters tend to vote based on the political party. Sorry but it is true
ReplyDelete