A perfect storm seems to be developing for the NDP in the Newfoundland & Labrador riding of St. John's East. Former provincial NDP leader Jack Harris is rumoured to be announced shortly as the party's candidate in the upcoming federal election. Harris briefly served as MP for this riding after winning it in a 1987 by-election. He lost the subsequent general election in 1988, but went on to sit in the provincial legislature for over a decade as NDP leader. Harris would unquestionaby be a star candidate and given that Norman Doyle, the incumbent Conservative MP, is not seeking re-election, the NDP is perfectly positioned to benefit from Danny Williams' pledge to defeat Conservative candidates in his province.
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Not to mention that Harris and Williams used to be part of the same law firm. Hopefully these two are still on good terms, and some good will may flow from Williams to Harris.
I think this is the wiki link you were looking to use:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John's_East
definitely a riding to watch for the NDP if this plays out. Though I wonder if even a big name candidate will be able to overcome the traditional vote deficient for the party in this riding?
Corrected. Thanks Sean.
If this pans out, I wonder if Desmond McGrath can be re-enticed to run for the NDP in Random-Burin-St. George's. I would also like to see the NDP make a serious play for Labrador. Particularly if they nominate star candidate Romeo Saganash in neighbouring Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, make an expected strong challenge in neighbouring Nunavut, and can pull out a strong contender to replace Pierre Ducasse in neighbouring Manicouagan. It could be a historic moment for the NDP in that it might actually be tactically effective to route part of the federal tour through the North.
Very interesting. It's incredible to see the candidates coming out of the woodwork for this election. With as little as one month until writ-day, I think things will start filling in.
I would pass on McGrath given his regressive views on abortion.
You gotta be kidding me.
Star Candidate?
LOL.
Is he running outside of Newfoundland because he won't get anywhere in the province. Also, Us Newfoundlanders rarely vote NDP. Except once or twice have we elected an NDP member to the HoC. Jack Harris was the last in 1987 and he lost his seat the following year, 1988. Great star. How many seats did he win for the NDP as Leader of the NDP in NL? His own and one in Labrador.
Terrible leader and worse as a MP.
Star Candidate. Ha ha ha.
Good luck with that one.
jay,
last time I checked St. John's East was located in Newfoundland. Here's a tip: Try consulting a map before leaving comments in the future...
Duh. I know where St. John's East is, lived there while in university.
You obviously didn't get what I was saying. Jack Harris was elected once to the HoC in Ottawa one year (1987) and lost the next (1998). He was also leader provincially and failed to do much to help the NDP with regard to getting anyone other than himself and someone in Labrador elected. He's far from a star candidate, more like broken goods.
Oh Jay, such an insecure little Liberal.
I also like the NDPers so willing to ditch a great candidate for one irrelevant issue. Father Cod is as good as you're going to get when it comes to local champions of the working class and social justice. He is on the record as saying he would abstain from any votes in the HoC on abortion (which do not happen) and follow party policy as regards that matter. Yet he doesn't pass ideological purity test 3.1.2.6 section c, therefore let's keep him out of politics. Shoddy logic to me.
Irrelevant??? I think it's sad that an NDP blogger considers womens' reproductive rights "irrelevant".
It is irrelevant when a) the right to abortion will never be voted on in the House of Commons and b) the candidate affirms that he will follow party policy on the matter (which is to vote in support of abortion or abstain).
I have no use for a politician who cannot absolutely support abortion rights.
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