Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre Liveblog
6:30 John Solomon is chairing the meeting, and gets us going on time. As Don has noted, last night saw turnout of 50+ in Lumsden; I'd peg turnout around the same tonight, but with at least a couple of dozen guests in the crowd.
6:35 Barb Dedi introduces the RLLC executive, followed by approval of the agenda. And we're onward...to Solomon's introduction of guests. A few more people trickle in as Solomon reads the rules.
6:44 John Tzupa takes over as balloting chair, followed by Brian Sklar delivering the first speech.
6:46 Brian is introduced by Lorna Standingready (focusing on his resume), Aaron Sklar (discussing his political involvement) and Juliet Eloyfsen (pitching Brian as a strong voice against the Harper Cons).
6:51 Brian begins his speech with a critique of "Silent" Tom Lukiwski as doing nothing but sending mail outs, noting the resource revenue issue as part of the reason Lukiwski was elected.
6:54 On to a sharp policy critique of the Cons ranging from the G8/G20 fiasco to the GST to pharmaceutical patents.
6:57 Still on policy, including child care and the Cons' dumb on crime policies.
6:58 "We have a problem in our own party"...referring to a need to "get tough" and "take back God".
7:00 And I think I just got referenced (as considering Sklar to be in Lingenfelter's pocket). I didn't particularly intend to say that, but always appreciate the shout out.
7:02 Kerry Hecker introduces Don Hansen, painting Don as a voice for the underdog with a strong history in rural and social justice issues.
7:04 Don starts off with some self-deprecation, a noteworthy contrast to Sklar's beginning to the effect that "I'd vote for me" based on his introductions.
7:05 On to an attack on Lukiwski, dealing in particular with a few of Stephen Harper's most notorious quotes.
7:06 Plenty of passion from Don as he slams the Cons' climate change denial and refusal to fund abortions in the developing world.
7:08 On to Lukiwski's "Type B" quote - in its full jarring effect - before noting his failure to do anything to atone after apologizing and claiming to want to make up for it.
7:09 A comparison between churches and political parties, with a statement that both succeed when they're looking outward rather than inward.
7:10 Don discusses his work fighting the child sex trade in the Philippines, telling a story of his participation with indigenous elders in an annual festival for his work protecting children.
7:14 Don closes noting that our goal is not just to win, but to win in order to make the world a better place, with a reference to Woodsworth.
7:15 "For us, politics is not about ourselves,...but about something bigger", referring to Tommy Douglas' "New Jerusalem".
7:16 On to the vote, with 53 registered delegates (exactly matching last night's total). Which will mean radio silence for a bit on this end, as I'll be scrutineering for Don.
7:30 And the winner is...Brian Sklar. As always, congratulations to both candidates, and we'll look forward to making a strong push to retake RLLC.
(Edit: fixed typos as per comment.)
Showing posts with label brian sklar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brian sklar. Show all posts
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre Nomination Wrapup
It's perhaps to be expected following a hard-fought provincial leadership race that some observers have looked for signs of a reprise at every turn. And so, some commenters (on this site at least) have tried to paint all kinds of nomination races as reflecting a continuation of the leadership contest - even when the actual connections to the leadership camps have ranged from slim to none.
That said, for those who are looking for a proxy battle, the Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre NDP nomination race is about as close as we figure to get - even if that's based on supporters behind the scenes rather than public intervention by the any of the leadership candidates themselves.
Which isn't to say that the candidates lack personal strengths that they also bring to the table. For example, Brian Sklar offers a strong public profile as a musician and media figure, as well as plenty of political experience within the NDP. But Sklar is also an inner-circle member of Dwain Lingenfelter's camp, with a support base primarily built around Lingenfelter's Regina machine, and a policy statement that echoes Lingenfelter's word for word.
Meanwhile, Don Hansen has plenty of personal and professional standing as a well-regarded pastor based in the rural part of the riding (Strasbourg and Bulyea). And he goes one step beyond Sklar on the independence side with a distinct set of policy messages based around J.S. Woodsworth's principle of "what we desire for ourselves, we wish for all". But Hansen too was recruited by one of Ryan Meili's key organizers, and his political team is built up primarily of participants in each of the runner-ups' leadership camps.
Of course, it's worth noting that the self-selection of supporters in RLLC is based on personal affinity for different priorities within the NDP's tent, rather than any conscious intention to replay the leadership race from either side. And indeed it likely says something for the unity of the provincial party that the most obvious parallels to the leadership race are actually playing out on the federal stage. But RLLC nonetheless looks to send an important signal as to the relative strength of a couple of the different groups of personalities within the party.
With that in mind, what can and should we expect over the nomination meetings to take place over the next couple of nights?
Endorsement
It won't come as much surprise to regular readers that my endorsement goes to Don Hansen, who took the time to introduce himself to readers in an earlier post.
On my reading, both candidates should be able to pose a strong challenge to the invisible Con incumbent Tom Lukiwski, and it'll be a definite plus to see either as Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre's representative in Parliament. But Hansen looks to offer a much stronger independent voice on all-too-often-neglected issues of poverty and social inclusion both within the NDP caucus and in the broader Canadian political scene. And that focus may be just as important politically as it is as a matter of principle, since the NDP's success in the next election and beyond will depend on its being able to draw sharp distinctions from the Cons' corporatist governing philosophy.
Prediction
So what's most likely to actually happen over the course of the nomination meetings? Sklar's longer-term involvement in the NDP and support of the provincial leader's organization make him the favourite on paper, and it's far from clear how far Hansen's rural advantage will go to overcome those factors. So I'll place the odds of winning at Sklar 65%, Hansen 35%.
But I'll encourage supporters of each side to come together as the provincial party has done in the wake of the leadership race - because whoever wins will have a far better chance of unseating Lukiwski if all sides are able to work together toward that common goal once the nomination is settled.
Update: As a reminder, the nomination meetings will take place tonight, June 23, in Lumsden at the Dew Drop Seniors Centre, and tomorrow, June 24, at the Italian Club in Regina. Registration will start at 5:30, and the meetings will be called to order at 6:30.
That said, for those who are looking for a proxy battle, the Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre NDP nomination race is about as close as we figure to get - even if that's based on supporters behind the scenes rather than public intervention by the any of the leadership candidates themselves.
Which isn't to say that the candidates lack personal strengths that they also bring to the table. For example, Brian Sklar offers a strong public profile as a musician and media figure, as well as plenty of political experience within the NDP. But Sklar is also an inner-circle member of Dwain Lingenfelter's camp, with a support base primarily built around Lingenfelter's Regina machine, and a policy statement that echoes Lingenfelter's word for word.
Meanwhile, Don Hansen has plenty of personal and professional standing as a well-regarded pastor based in the rural part of the riding (Strasbourg and Bulyea). And he goes one step beyond Sklar on the independence side with a distinct set of policy messages based around J.S. Woodsworth's principle of "what we desire for ourselves, we wish for all". But Hansen too was recruited by one of Ryan Meili's key organizers, and his political team is built up primarily of participants in each of the runner-ups' leadership camps.
Of course, it's worth noting that the self-selection of supporters in RLLC is based on personal affinity for different priorities within the NDP's tent, rather than any conscious intention to replay the leadership race from either side. And indeed it likely says something for the unity of the provincial party that the most obvious parallels to the leadership race are actually playing out on the federal stage. But RLLC nonetheless looks to send an important signal as to the relative strength of a couple of the different groups of personalities within the party.
With that in mind, what can and should we expect over the nomination meetings to take place over the next couple of nights?
Endorsement
It won't come as much surprise to regular readers that my endorsement goes to Don Hansen, who took the time to introduce himself to readers in an earlier post.
On my reading, both candidates should be able to pose a strong challenge to the invisible Con incumbent Tom Lukiwski, and it'll be a definite plus to see either as Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre's representative in Parliament. But Hansen looks to offer a much stronger independent voice on all-too-often-neglected issues of poverty and social inclusion both within the NDP caucus and in the broader Canadian political scene. And that focus may be just as important politically as it is as a matter of principle, since the NDP's success in the next election and beyond will depend on its being able to draw sharp distinctions from the Cons' corporatist governing philosophy.
Prediction
So what's most likely to actually happen over the course of the nomination meetings? Sklar's longer-term involvement in the NDP and support of the provincial leader's organization make him the favourite on paper, and it's far from clear how far Hansen's rural advantage will go to overcome those factors. So I'll place the odds of winning at Sklar 65%, Hansen 35%.
But I'll encourage supporters of each side to come together as the provincial party has done in the wake of the leadership race - because whoever wins will have a far better chance of unseating Lukiwski if all sides are able to work together toward that common goal once the nomination is settled.
Update: As a reminder, the nomination meetings will take place tonight, June 23, in Lumsden at the Dew Drop Seniors Centre, and tomorrow, June 24, at the Italian Club in Regina. Registration will start at 5:30, and the meetings will be called to order at 6:30.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre Virtual Document Drop
I'm still waiting on word back from Brian Sklar's campaign. But for now, here's Don Hansen's final material for this week's nomination vote:
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Saskatchewan Nomination Roundup
A few notes on provincial and federal nomination races around the province...
In Regina South, Yens Pedersen has focused on membership sales lately, and is announcing that his campaign has brought in 65 new members as of last week's deadline. Meanwhile, Heather McIntyre is pointing out Kent's timeline of the race.
In Regina Coronation Park, last month's debate has been followed by a surprising lull in apparent activity. Roger Bucsis has yet to put up any apparent public presence, and Tory McGregor and Fred Kress have combined for a single Facebook wall post since then. That's left Jaime Garcia and Tamara Harder as the two candidates still making an effort to keep voters interested and informed online - though it's possible the others have simply turned their focus elsewhere.
But at least the NDP can claim that its provincial nominations are being contested. In contrast, Sean notes that city councillor Gord Wyant has been acclaimed as the Sask Party's candidate in Saskatoon Northwest.
Meanwhile, the Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre continues to see plenty of online activity, as Brian Sklar is making an effort to match Don Hansen's steady stream of posts. But does anybody know exactly what Brian means when he says he wants to "elect the first "Western Senator""?
In Regina South, Yens Pedersen has focused on membership sales lately, and is announcing that his campaign has brought in 65 new members as of last week's deadline. Meanwhile, Heather McIntyre is pointing out Kent's timeline of the race.
In Regina Coronation Park, last month's debate has been followed by a surprising lull in apparent activity. Roger Bucsis has yet to put up any apparent public presence, and Tory McGregor and Fred Kress have combined for a single Facebook wall post since then. That's left Jaime Garcia and Tamara Harder as the two candidates still making an effort to keep voters interested and informed online - though it's possible the others have simply turned their focus elsewhere.
But at least the NDP can claim that its provincial nominations are being contested. In contrast, Sean notes that city councillor Gord Wyant has been acclaimed as the Sask Party's candidate in Saskatoon Northwest.
Meanwhile, the Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre continues to see plenty of online activity, as Brian Sklar is making an effort to match Don Hansen's steady stream of posts. But does anybody know exactly what Brian means when he says he wants to "elect the first "Western Senator""?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday Afternoon Links
Once again, a few odds and ends which I haven't had a chance to comment on in a full post...
- The issue of Afghanistan torture documents seems to have mostly faded away since a deal was reached in Parliament. But it's worth keeping in mind the uncertainty as to whether the documents provided to the reviewing committee will actually include all the material that matters. And considering that the Cons fought for months against a binding order, there's little reason to think they'll act in good faith now if there's any chance to keep damning evidence under wraps.
- There's been plenty of talk about possible cooperation among the federal opposition parties, with a strong assumption that the talk has to find its way upward from the grassroots. Which makes for an interesting comparison to what's going on in Alberta, where the Libs have become the first party to nominally vote for some cooperation with other parties - even though the NDP's members had already spoken to say they weren't interested.
- It sounds damaging enough to point out that the Cons are actively monitoring any unfavourable expressions of opinion online. But let's take it a step further: Stephen Harper wants to trample on your happiness since it threatens his government.
- After taking an early lead in the "most blindingly orange website" contest with fellow Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre candidate Brian Sklar, Don Hansen has apparently conceded that race in favour of a more sleek and readable site. You can express your gratitude (or disappointment) at a meet-and-greet this Friday.
- Finally, the Cons seem to be trying to flood Canada's limited number of information experts with regressive legislation in hopes that something will sneak by unanswered. Fortunately, Michael Geist is up to the task of taking them to task on copyright and privacy protection alike.
- The issue of Afghanistan torture documents seems to have mostly faded away since a deal was reached in Parliament. But it's worth keeping in mind the uncertainty as to whether the documents provided to the reviewing committee will actually include all the material that matters. And considering that the Cons fought for months against a binding order, there's little reason to think they'll act in good faith now if there's any chance to keep damning evidence under wraps.
- There's been plenty of talk about possible cooperation among the federal opposition parties, with a strong assumption that the talk has to find its way upward from the grassroots. Which makes for an interesting comparison to what's going on in Alberta, where the Libs have become the first party to nominally vote for some cooperation with other parties - even though the NDP's members had already spoken to say they weren't interested.
- It sounds damaging enough to point out that the Cons are actively monitoring any unfavourable expressions of opinion online. But let's take it a step further: Stephen Harper wants to trample on your happiness since it threatens his government.
- After taking an early lead in the "most blindingly orange website" contest with fellow Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre candidate Brian Sklar, Don Hansen has apparently conceded that race in favour of a more sleek and readable site. You can express your gratitude (or disappointment) at a meet-and-greet this Friday.
- Finally, the Cons seem to be trying to flood Canada's limited number of information experts with regressive legislation in hopes that something will sneak by unanswered. Fortunately, Michael Geist is up to the task of taking them to task on copyright and privacy protection alike.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre - NDP Nomination Dates Set
For those wondering when they'll get the chance to choose between Don Hansen and Brian Sklar as the NDP's nominated candidate to challenge (and hopefully unelect) Con MP Tom Lukiwski, there won't be much longer to wait. The NDP's Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre nomination meetings have been set for June 23 in Lumsden and June 24 in Regina.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saskatchewan NDP Nomination Roundup
There's plenty of news to point out on the Saskatchewan NDP nomination front - so rather than splitting it up into several posts, let's bundle it together for your reading convenience.
- On the federal side, Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre nomination candidate Brian Sklar has unveiled his website, featuring sharp criticism of Con incumbent Tom Lukiwski along with a policy section that mirrors Dwain Lingenfelter's provincial vision. Meanwhile, Donald Hansen's Facebook page has become an extremely lively and informative source of news and opinion.
- On the provincial side, the biggest news is the scheduling of a joint nomination meeting for all six of Regina's NDP incumbents on May 25. Of particular note, the list includes includes the Regina-Dewdney nomination, which no longer appears to be contested (as confirmed by the deletion of any "running for" from Kaitlin Stocks' Facebook page).
- Meanwhile, a couple of the candidates working toward nomination dates next month have activities on the go which deserve pointing out. Jaime Garcia has become the latest NDPer to look to a money bomb to finance his campaign in Regina Coronation Park, while Heather McIntyre will be holding a BBQ tonight in support of her Regina South campaign.
- Finally, the Regina Northeast race looks like it's about to get even more interesting in the wake of the two initial entries. At least two more entrants are apparently set to announce their intentions, including one of the NDP's long-anticipated new candidates. Stay tuned...
- On the federal side, Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre nomination candidate Brian Sklar has unveiled his website, featuring sharp criticism of Con incumbent Tom Lukiwski along with a policy section that mirrors Dwain Lingenfelter's provincial vision. Meanwhile, Donald Hansen's Facebook page has become an extremely lively and informative source of news and opinion.
- On the provincial side, the biggest news is the scheduling of a joint nomination meeting for all six of Regina's NDP incumbents on May 25. Of particular note, the list includes includes the Regina-Dewdney nomination, which no longer appears to be contested (as confirmed by the deletion of any "running for" from Kaitlin Stocks' Facebook page).
- Meanwhile, a couple of the candidates working toward nomination dates next month have activities on the go which deserve pointing out. Jaime Garcia has become the latest NDPer to look to a money bomb to finance his campaign in Regina Coronation Park, while Heather McIntyre will be holding a BBQ tonight in support of her Regina South campaign.
- Finally, the Regina Northeast race looks like it's about to get even more interesting in the wake of the two initial entries. At least two more entrants are apparently set to announce their intentions, including one of the NDP's long-anticipated new candidates. Stay tuned...
Monday, May 03, 2010
Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre - NDP Nomination Race Shaping Up
In the wake of its strong effort to raise money at the constituency level to make sure Tom Lukiwski faces a well-funded opponent, the Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre NDP now looks to have an interesting nomination battle on its hands. Two candidates are in the field so far, with minister Don Hansen boasting a Facebook page and website, while musician Brian Sklar has a Facebook presence.
No nomination date has yet been set, and it may be that there will be more candidates joining the race. But with two strong candidates already stepping forward, Lukiwski figures to face a tough NDP challenge whenever the next election comes around.
No nomination date has yet been set, and it may be that there will be more candidates joining the race. But with two strong candidates already stepping forward, Lukiwski figures to face a tough NDP challenge whenever the next election comes around.
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