Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

In this riding, we have a Conservative MP who is famous, or rather infamous, for saying the most embarrassing things. Her name is Cheryl Gallant. This is a strongly red-tory riding, so there will be a number of people who will likely vote for the CPC no matter who the candidate is. However, I think a majority of people here would prefer if that candidate was anyone but her.

I'm going to make a suggestion for an alternative: Hector Clouthier - Independent.

He's a former blue-grit who quit the liberal party because he didn't like being "whipped" to vote against his riding's wishes. He's also likely the most popular candidate in this riding. I think he, of all the candidates, stands the most likely chance of defeating Cheryl Gallant. In road-side signage, I already see more of his signs than everyone else. Given the visible support he has, I think he's the only one at this time with a clear chance of defeating Cheryl Gallant. If others disagree, please let me know and we can discuss alternatives.

Tags: Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

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Permalink Reply by Seana Finlay on April 12, 2011 at 10:15am

Two words to refute all your points:

Chuck Cadman

One great man - held immense power. Independent member of parliament.

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Permalink Reply by Maggie Logan on April 11, 2011 at 12:07pm

Hi Dan

No one is suggesting Mr Clouthier doesn't have the right to run for election in this riding and win if he can.

The big question is who has the best chance to defeat Ms Gallant and STOP A HARPER MAJORITY WHICH MANY CANADIANS FEAR. Hence ,strategic voting. With more canidates,more of the anti-Gallant vote will be split, maybe allowing her to retain the seat.

I have studied Mr Clouthier's web site. His policies only address a few local issues. It is no secret that Mr Clouthier and Ms Gallant are arch rivals. His web site reflects that fact.He seems proud of the fact that his independant status allows him to power play his vote in the House of Commons. My question is this? #1 What assurance do I have that he shares my views on health care, education etc. #2 What assurance do I have that Mr Clouthier would not vote with the Harpercons on a policy I abhor?

Ms Tabbert ,the Liberal canidate addresses the local issues and also has clear policies and platforms of the Liberal party. You can easily see her stand on the most important issues facing all Canadians, Healthcare, Families, education, etc. You can also see the Liberal stand against the destructive agenda of Harper,i.e. jets ,Jails and massive corporate tax cuts for the wealthiest. It is these sound policies that work in her favor.

Mr Clouthier wants to be anti-establisment,however Mr Clouthier should know that Parliment just doesn't work without party discipline. It is required because of party platform.

The direction of Canada is Too important to put into the hands of a Independant canidate.

Cheers

Maggie

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Permalink Reply by Marie Heartwood on April 11, 2011 at 11:07am

Many good points Steve.

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Permalink Reply by Marie Heartwood on April 11, 2011 at 2:01pm

I want to tell everyone about Swing 33.
http://www.swing33.ca/
No matter what you feel about this riding, you can help the cause of getting Harper out by donating to campaigns in other ridings. (Yes, that's allowed.)

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Permalink Reply by Marie Heartwood on April 11, 2011 at 5:46pm

In my travels today, I have spoken to a small number of people. Here's what they say:
1) "Hec's strongest base is Pembroke. He's going to take it."
2) "I'm a conservative but Gallant's got to go. I'm voting Hec."
3) "I'm a long time liberal, but I'm voting for Hector."
4) "Tabbert's a Toronto lawyer. Doesn't matter that she grew up here."
5) "The NDP are running someone?"

This is not a scientific sampling. It is simply the comments I'm able to elicit with regard to the various candidates.

The one thing I can say for certain, those voting against Gallant, seem to be quite vociferous, and down right hostile to her, even if they are long time conservatives. In my life, I've never encountered a candidate who has stirred up such strong negative feelings before.

I'll also note, I was out on the weekend. It was nice to finally see some Christine Tabbert signs up.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Meilleur on April 11, 2011 at 8:15pm

Hi Marie:

This is the kind of thing I'm hearing as well, and my sampling is, admittedly, far from scientific. In fact, it's not really a sampling, more like me just sort of keeping my ears open when I go out for a haircut or get a bag of milk. But what I'm hearing is pretty consistent, and it's pretty close to what you've posted above. It appears that, in addition to his own "base," Clouthier seems to be drawing support from all over the place, including Conservatives and Liberals.

Steve, all due respect, and you vote for who you want to, and I respect that, but I've been sort of a government junkie for most of my adult life, and follow the House of Commons pretty closely. It's the Speaker of the House who recognizes Members with questions, and I can recall John Nunziata, who was kicked out of the Liberal caucus making a complete nuisance of himself repeatedly questioning the prime minister over his refusal to tank the GST. More recently, Helena Geurgis (did I spell that right?), kicked out of caucus by Harper, has had her share of questions in the House, and I'm pretty sure Harper wouldn't allow that if he could do something about it.

No offense to anyone, but I just don't see the riding supporting a Liberal candidate. I seem to share the views of many here regarding the broader issues of the country, and I definitely share the view that the Conservatives need to be sent packing. And I hope the Liberals do well nationally, and actually think that they're trending to do maybe better than what most people thought. But there's nothing I can see about Hector Clouthier that would suggest he'd be terribly far from any position I might have on most issues. And as I said before, he's getting an awful lot of unsolicited positive feedback in conversations that I''ve happened to drift through.

I've never supported an independent before, but my last three Liberal votes had me feeling like I was swimming upstream against a pretty stiff current. From what I understand, this guy's a tireless worker, and was apparently a pretty good constituency guy before he took the hit on gun control.

There's still three weeks left, and plenty can happen, one way or the other. But I don't want to dismiss a candidate for the wrong reasons, and I want to give credit where credit is due. I'm not ready to go out and knock on doors for the guy, but I may well give him my vote, especially if I feel comfortable about the whole independent thing (and I do) and I feel that he best represents what it'll take to knock out the incumbent. (and I do)

I heard on the radio this morning that he's having a tough time keeping his signs in the ground, that they're being knocked down and damaged or stolen. I don't see that happening to many Liberal signs, and that alone probably means something.

Anyways, thanks for providing the forum for this discussion.

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Permalink Reply by Marie Heartwood on April 12, 2011 at 12:27pm

Around here, a lot of his signs are knocked down, but that's wind damage. I'm sure if I go to the cross roads, I'll see everyone's signs knocked down.

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Permalink Reply by Maggie Logan on April 12, 2011 at 2:19pm

The Ottawa Citizen online site had a meet the canidates from our riding. Was .streamed live today for 1 hour. Guess who didn't show up? All the other 4 canidates were excellant.I am sure a tape will be available on the site to watch. I learned lots. All canidates were asked about strategic voting and how they were going to be able to unseat Ms Gallant.

Maggie