Garth Turner, Wajid Khan, David Emerson
Fact: In this parliamentary session, over 165,000 Canadians have had their votes overturned, thanks to the actions of just 5 men: Harper, Emerson, Khan, Dion and Turner. Canadians ought to think long and hard about this next time they mark an X in the square for a candidate. Don’t accept the status quo – Canada can do better.
Info: The Campaign to De-Elect David Emerson and Real Democracy yesterday issued a press release calling upon former Conservative turned independent turned Liberal Garth Turner to resign and run in a by-election. This is deplorable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the hypocrisy involved: Turner was himself a vocal and visible critic of Emerson. Our campaign has always been non-partisan in our criticism of floor crossing and the damage it does to voters faith in our democracy.
Speculation: With long-time Vancouver Quadra MP Liberal Stephen Owen retiring from politics, the always missing-in-action David Emerson must no doubt be considering a run in Quadra.
Speculation: Owen may have retired to clear the way for Emerson to run – as a Conservative. Owen has never hidden the fact that he is a friend of Emerson. If Owen ran, he’d win the riding without contest, almost regardless of who the Conservative candidate is. With Owen out of the way, Conservative prospects in Quadra have appreciated significantly.
Observation: Well known Vancouver-area money manager, fluently bi-lingual, local Conservative Rick Peterson has already announced his candidacy for the Vancouver-Quadra Conservative nomination, and has been actively working the riding. Having observed Emerson closely over the last year, there is no question in my mind – Peterson will be able to win over members easily; and with Owen out of the way, Peterson – a former Progressive Conservative activist – is well positioned to win the riding for the blue team for the first time in a long time. But is Peterson in John Reynold’s good books? Reynolds would back Emerson over Peterson any day. Look to the Vancouver-Quadra Conservative EDA for some interesting fireworks if Emerson decides he is interested.
Fact: Both Emerson and Reynolds are arrogant enough to believe they can stage a come-back for Emerson.
Fact: There isn’t a riding west of the Rockies Emerson could win.
In particular the entire Vancouver area finds him radioactive. Support for our “de-election” campaign comes from across the city, including Quadra and West Point Grey.
If Emerson doesn’t run in Vancouver—Kingsway as he said he would, and instead slinks away elsewhere to attempt a political resurrection, the Campaign to De-Elect Emerson – with supporters from every corner of this city – will be there dogging his every step.