1) School trustee Joyce Bateman was a late entrant for the Conservatives after Ray Hall's campaign was scrubbed in the first days of the campaign, which only happened ...
2) ... after Bateman switched from the Liberals. She had not built a party base, so how dedicated was the Winnipeg South CPC constituency team to run a short campaign and knock off the "Liberal heavyweight" (CBC's label) ?
3) Neville's vote was down by almost 1700 votes but all anyone talked about as a reason for her loss that I heard, was 'vote split'. The NDP vote went up by 2500. The Green Party was down by 1500. We all know they showed up to vote and where it likely went. So the votes that "split" from Neville and went NDP, might have been 1000 tops. But...
4) Bateman added 1365 votes to the Tory ledger over the vote count of Trevor Kennard last time out. Her margin might well have been there were 150 Liberal families that rejected Iggy and went blue with Bateman, with another 1000 people who hadn't voted last time ... You get the point. Bateman's win was the result of hard work and appealing past the Conservative base no matter how you cut it. But there was one other factor.
5) In the early days of the campaign, before she had announced, Bateman was the answer to a question Global TV's Nelly Gonzalez tried to slide past St Boniface MP Shelly Glover, whose remark about Neville the politician, the MSM tried to turn into a scandalous insult:
Nelly Gonzalez: ... we know that Anita Neville is...is...we know there's a mystery candidate that hasn't been announced yet, if it's going to be Joyce Bateman or other names.
Shelly Glover: Sure.
Nelly Gonzalez: What do you know about that and what do you think the chances are for the party to, uh, regain that seat, Winnipeg Centre...North.
Shelly Glover: "Well, Anita Neville is in trouble. I've only been in Parliament for two-and-a-half years, Nellie, and I'll tell ya, there are a lot of shenanigans going on in Parliament. We need some ... some fresh blood. We need some new people who come with new ideas and who are willing to stand up for their constituents."
" I"m afraid Miss Neville has passed her expiry date...
No one mentioned tonight, that it looks like Shelly Glover was right all along.
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Showing posts with label Federal election 11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Federal election 11. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Another woman voter demands NDP MP Pat Martin apologize for verbal attack
For the second time in two weeks, NDP Member of Parliament Pat Martin has found himself in hot water for verbally attacking a female voter at a federal election all-candidates forum.
The constituent, Karen Jones, explained why she has demanded an apology after what was said Thursday night:
" I said 'after 15 years of neglect and arrogance from the MP who is known as the 'Charlie Sheen of Parliament Hill' I am shopping for a new representative, so this question is for Darrell Rankin and Allan Wise {ed note- the Communist and Liberal candidates} : 'What would you do to ensure that you don't lose touch with the constituency?'
The moderator said that Pat could have an opportunity to answer and I said, ok, lets get on with it."
TGCTS has acquired an audio recording of his remarks, and this is what Pat Martin said to the audience:
"I know some people are frustrated and I know the questioner has been barred essentially from my office -- we don't always take her calls. But my staff is a unionized staff, they have a right to refuse unsafe work, they have a panic button under their desk, and when they're being harassed or treated badly they have a right to deny that person access to the office, especially after multiple, disagreeable visits. They don't have to take abuse, and, uh, as a former union rep I wouldn't ask them to."
Jones, who is well regarded for her work with the Omand's Creek residents group and on environmental issues was floored:
"I have never been to his office even once. I don't even know where it is".
Earlier this week, TGCTS exclusively reported that Martin had been forced to issue a written apology to a different woman in Winnipeg Centre whom he had falsely accused of having been under a restraining order, in a response to her question at an April 12 town hall about whether he actually lived in the riding.
"My staff has informed me that I had you confused with another constituent who has been banned by our office for harassment." he wrote to Kim Calder.
"Well, he is still confused" said Jones, a university instructor and community environmentalist.
She maintains that a pattern has emerged of how Pat Martin responds to women who criticize his record during this campaign.
" The politics in this province has become dysfunctional but the dysfunction has become considered normal among the ruling class. He thinks it is normal to attack people with impunity if it will get him reelected."
Jones called NDP national leader Jack Layton's office on Friday to complain and has not been called back.
An email was sent to Martin's campaign manager Friday morning that Jones also copied to her lawyer :
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:23:52 -0500
The April 26 meeting at Magnus Eliason Community Centre was organized by the Spence Neighborhood Association, West Broadway Development Corporation, Daniel McIntyre - St. Matthews Community Association, and the West Central Women's Resource Centre.
Related: http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/016664.html
Distantly related: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mystery-flyer-bashes-outspoken-mp-martin-121017109.html
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2344284529
The constituent, Karen Jones, explained why she has demanded an apology after what was said Thursday night:
" I said 'after 15 years of neglect and arrogance from the MP who is known as the 'Charlie Sheen of Parliament Hill' I am shopping for a new representative, so this question is for Darrell Rankin and Allan Wise {ed note- the Communist and Liberal candidates} : 'What would you do to ensure that you don't lose touch with the constituency?'
The moderator said that Pat could have an opportunity to answer and I said, ok, lets get on with it."
TGCTS has acquired an audio recording of his remarks, and this is what Pat Martin said to the audience:
"I know some people are frustrated and I know the questioner has been barred essentially from my office -- we don't always take her calls. But my staff is a unionized staff, they have a right to refuse unsafe work, they have a panic button under their desk, and when they're being harassed or treated badly they have a right to deny that person access to the office, especially after multiple, disagreeable visits. They don't have to take abuse, and, uh, as a former union rep I wouldn't ask them to."
Jones, who is well regarded for her work with the Omand's Creek residents group and on environmental issues was floored:
"I have never been to his office even once. I don't even know where it is".
Earlier this week, TGCTS exclusively reported that Martin had been forced to issue a written apology to a different woman in Winnipeg Centre whom he had falsely accused of having been under a restraining order, in a response to her question at an April 12 town hall about whether he actually lived in the riding.
"My staff has informed me that I had you confused with another constituent who has been banned by our office for harassment." he wrote to Kim Calder.
"Well, he is still confused" said Jones, a university instructor and community environmentalist.
She maintains that a pattern has emerged of how Pat Martin responds to women who criticize his record during this campaign.
" The politics in this province has become dysfunctional but the dysfunction has become considered normal among the ruling class. He thinks it is normal to attack people with impunity if it will get him reelected."
Jones called NDP national leader Jack Layton's office on Friday to complain and has not been called back.
An email was sent to Martin's campaign manager Friday morning that Jones also copied to her lawyer :
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:23:52 -0500
Hi Keith Bellamy,
Last night at an all candidates meeting at Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre Pat Martin publically identified me as someone who action had to be taken against because I threatened the safety of his staff. I do not appreciate my reputation being diminished in front of a large audience. This false accusation must be corrected immediately. I expect a signed letter of apology by the end of this working day. For these purposes I will accept an attachment as an e-mail. Thanks for your co-operation. Karen Jones
When contacted by TGCTS, Bellamy said "we do not comment about our interaction with individual constituents", adding he was not at the meeting and had not heard Martin's remarks.
Last night at an all candidates meeting at Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre Pat Martin publically identified me as someone who action had to be taken against because I threatened the safety of his staff. I do not appreciate my reputation being diminished in front of a large audience. This false accusation must be corrected immediately. I expect a signed letter of apology by the end of this working day. For these purposes I will accept an attachment as an e-mail. Thanks for your co-operation. Karen Jones
When contacted by TGCTS, Bellamy said "we do not comment about our interaction with individual constituents", adding he was not at the meeting and had not heard Martin's remarks.
The April 26 meeting at Magnus Eliason Community Centre was organized by the Spence Neighborhood Association, West Broadway Development Corporation, Daniel McIntyre - St. Matthews Community Association, and the West Central Women's Resource Centre.
Related: http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/016664.html
Distantly related: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mystery-flyer-bashes-outspoken-mp-martin-121017109.html
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2344284529
Monday, April 25, 2011
NDP MP Pat Martin forced to apologize for verbal attack; woman questioned if he lived in riding
Pat Martin, the incumbent NDP Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, has been forced to issue a written apology after he made a false accusation about a female constituent at an All - Candidates meeting on April 12th.
The woman, Kim Calder (formerly the traffic reporter for The Great Canadian Talk Show) is a resident of the riding who with other voters, voiced concerns at the open microphone about Martin's record as their representative in Ottawa.
" I asked him about the issue of not returning calls, not only I but three others had the same question. I also asked Mr. Martin who he was representing. Mr. Martin stated that he has a house on Canora, but does spend time in Vancouver where he owns property that is rented out. (Yet, in the Winnipeg Sun dated April 24th, in a quote to Tom Brodbeck, Mr. Martin stated that he just went through a divorce and his wife received the property on Salt Spring Island.) "
What happened next stunned Calder.
"As I sat down, Mr. Martin said to me, "how many restraining orders do you have against you?". Somewhat perplexed at the question, I replied "none".
His reply was "that isn't what I heard". "
After the session, Calder immediately went up to Martin to challenge his remark.
"When I tried to ask Mr. Martin who was his source on this allegation his only response was "I'm going to take out a restraining order against you", then bolted out of the building. Some had come up to me and said that at first they thought I was a crazy person who had lots of restraining orders against me."
A number of people in attendance, (including another candidate who participated in the forum), contacted TGCTS about Martin's remark, and were incensed.
"Mr. Martin not only intended to discredit the constituent and deflect criticism of his parliamentary record, but also willfully engaged her in open embarrassment during this community event." wrote photographer Darron Field. "His behaviour was deplorable and, as a citizen involved in the democratic process for this federal election, I suggest that he be held to account. It's this type of personal attack that has damaged the political process and turned voters from engagement, deep into apathy."
Another eyewitness was Fred Morris, a longtime Liberal party member and a candidate in the recent Winnipeg civic election.
"Mr. Martin should not have personally verbally attacked a constituent. It is even more surprising that Mr. Martin did not seem to be entirely sure of his own allegation. Mr. Martin did not seem to want to clarify his remarks to Ms. Calder after the meeting. NDP Leader Jack Layton should apologize to Ms. Calder. "
Another eyewitness was Fred Morris, a longtime Liberal party member and a candidate in the recent Winnipeg civic election.
"Mr. Martin should not have personally verbally attacked a constituent. It is even more surprising that Mr. Martin did not seem to be entirely sure of his own allegation. Mr. Martin did not seem to want to clarify his remarks to Ms. Calder after the meeting. NDP Leader Jack Layton should apologize to Ms. Calder. "
But when Calder tried to complain to Martin's leader, Jack Layton distanced himself from the 14 year representative of Winnipeg's inner-city.
"On April 13th I contacted Jack Layton's office in Danforth riding, was told by his campaign manager that I had to call the national office. Which I proceeded to do, was told that there was nothing they could do and that I should contact Pat Martin's office."
Calder explained that she then spoke to the campaign manager for the NDP in the riding, Keith Bellamy.
" I informed Mr. Bellamy of the situation and demanded a public apology as Mr. Martin had publicly slandered my good name. I challenged Mr. Bellamy and Mr. Martin to go ahead and find ANY restraining orders against me."
It was only after an follow-up email to Bellamy demanding an apology by April 19th at 8 PM, that she finally received a letter which was hand delivered to her home.
Calder admits she is a volunteer for the Liberal candidate in Winnipeg Centre, Allan Wise, but says her presence at the meeting was as a constituent who would be represented by Martin if he is re-elected. She was concerned about the poor response she and others have received from Martin in the past, and wondered if he was being distracted by not living in the riding.
Despite the letter, she is still not satisfied.
"What he said to me was in public, against my PERSONAL life. I did not ask questions about his personal life, instead I get a letter delivered, in private. Since when is it NOT allowed to question not only our MP's, but also our candidates?"
Related: Pat Martin has made some remarks in the past to some female MP's: http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/016664.html
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Exclusive: TGCTS steps into Iggy's challenge to debate Harper mano - a - mano
M_Ignatieff Michael Ignatieff
. @pmharper A one-on-one debate? Any time. Any place.
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TGCTS TGCTS
@M_Ignatieff @pmharper I volunteer to moderate.
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We further propose that the debate be held here in our hometown of Winnipeg, in the middle of the country. Open debate of public policy is what The Great Canadian Talk Show practiced for 4 years.
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Email us: martygoldlive@gmail.com
We further propose that the debate be held here in our hometown of Winnipeg, in the middle of the country. Open debate of public policy is what The Great Canadian Talk Show practiced for 4 years.
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Email us: martygoldlive@gmail.com
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