More on Malcolm Allen and the NDP Nomination in Welland

From today's St. Catharines Standard:

On an evening when members saluted late party legend Mel Swart and where the candidates spoke of preserving the legacies of Canada Pension Plan architect Stanley Knowles and medicare champion Tommy Douglas, the focus was on on the future and ending the longtime Liberal reign in Welland.

The homage to Swart started off with former party leader Alexa McDonough, who served as the special guest speaker to the meeting.

"It's something to think about how thrilled Mel would have been not only to be here tonight but to celebrate the first New Democrat MP in this area," she said...

..."I know with their support and all of you this riding will be orange. It will no longer be red," he declared to roaring applause.

The riding was a tight three-way contest in 2006, and he didn't waste time outlining what sets his party apart.

"I think at the end of the day, people will realize you can trade Liberals for Conservatives or Conservatives for Liberals and you end up with the same thing," he said.

He served notice to Liberal MP John Maloney, who opposed legal recognition for same-sex marriages, saying human rights and social justice apply to all people at all times....

...Allen will have to take a leave of absence from Pelham town council when the federal campaign begins.