While the national Conservative campaign rides a wave, the Liberals campaign stumbles with the dexterity of a beached whale*, and the NDP try to be heard, Edmonton's candidates from all parties are door-knocking, canvasing, and getting ready to get out the vote on January 23rd.
But, as some Edmontonians may have noticed, many local Conservative candidates in ridings across Edmonton have been missing from local all-candidates forums and meetings.
Though Edmonton Strathcona Tory Rahim Jaffer couldn't find the time to meet with his constituents and attend the all-candidates forum at the Knox-Metropolitan United Church (one of two candidate forums in the riding), it was 
funny to see that he was able to make the time to pose for some cheap photo-stunts with Alberta Progressive Conservative Leadership candidate Jim Dinning (see left and right).
Way to be a responsible candidate and representative, Rahim!
As well, Edmonton Centre Tory candidate Laurie Hawn was also a no-show at a candidates forum in that riding sponsered by Edmonton's Pride Centre. The Tories were also a no-show at the Public Interest Alberta City-wide forum at the Royal Museum.
What gives? At this point, it is fairly obvious that the Tories are going to sweep all but one Edmonton-seat, so what are they afraid of? Why is the media not "going after" the no-show Tory candidates who will be Edmonton's elected representatives? If your Tory candidate can't even give up 2 hours of their time to attend an all-candidates forum, can we expect them to responsibly represent us in Ottawa?
*Merci a Graham Thomson and for this fun phrase from his weekend article in the Edmonton Jounal.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
why are edmonton tories getting a free ride?
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4 comments:
Laurie has attended five forums so far this election.
The constraints of time on candidates means that, unfortunately, sometimes a forum can't be met. However, voters also complain if candidates don't come by their doors, or attend local events - it is a question of optimizing time.
I notice that Anne McLlelan didn't make the Pride forum until after it was over, sending a staffer in her place, and didn't make the CWL forum last night at all (although her brochures did).
Colin, my dear friend, you forgot the golden rule: Dave is always right. ;-)
And yes, other candidates are missing forums as well, but the Tory candidates are the ones who are going to be elected and represent Edmonton as MP's, therefor, we would think they have a greater responsibility to show up.
And Will, the Laurie Hawn comment was just to see if you were still reading our blog. ;-)
Happy New Year!
I read it every day - from my evil fortress hidden on the dark side of the moon by the hidden agenda factory, powered by kittens and puppies.
We're assuming you'll soon be relocating the hidden agenda factory to the Lengevin Block? ;-)
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