Yesterday’s by-election has demonstrated the power and the importance of local and grassroots politics. Unlike the former riding of Dufferin-Grey-Wellington-Peel (now Dufferin-Caledon), which has been used in the past by many Conservative leaders (including Tory himself) as a surrogate riding, the residents of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock have voted loud and clear that they will not be labelled and will not be taken for granted. Rural voters saw through John Tory’s intentions and decided to go instead with a local, like Laurie Scott, who actually lives in the riding and who actually understands the realities and struggles of the surrounding area. The “bye-bye-bye-election” results have definitely sealed John Tory’s fate as party leader. Instead of returning to the opposition front bench, the voters have sent former school board chairman Rick Johnson to the backbenches of the Liberal government caucus. Laurie Scott, the unfortunate sacrificial lamb in this situation, will now have to run against a Liberal incumbent 2011 in what was suppose to be her riding. After losing three elections, I think it’s time for John to hang up his political ambitions for now. After being beaten down so many times, I doubt, but I do hope he will consider running again for Mayor of Toronto in the next muncipal election. I truly believe that he will make an excellent mayor for our financially troubled city. So now that John is more than likely leaving, who is going to take his spot? Who wants the honour to rebuild the party and lead the Tories in the next election (only a short 2 years away)? Tim Hudak? Christine Elliot? Jim Flaherty? Frank Klees? Lizzy Witmer? Let the predictions begin!I want to also congratulate Rick Johnson on his victory! He went against the “conservative stronghold” tide and prevailed. It was well deserved and well earned!
