One step back

The CP notes that Marilyn Churley's run in the federal election campaign may result in the Ontario NDP losing official party status:

The NDP lost its eighth member, Marilyn Churley, when she resigned last fall to run in the federal election...

Premier Dalton McGuinty says if the NDP doesn't win one of those ridings the party will lose its party status because — with only seven members — they'll be one short of the requirement.

It helps to have three chances at winning a seat in order to keep the official party designation. But even so, the potential to fall below official status in Ontario, along with the fact that Churley and some other high-profile candidates were't able to turn their recognition into seats in Parliament, indicates that the NDP has plenty of building left to do on all levels. One battle may have ended with some noteworthy gains last night, but the war for long-term influence in Canadian politics isn't getting easier.