I sit back and watch this election with a lot of intrigue. The last time there was a provincial election in Ontario, I was at the centre of it. Working for and acting in a senior capacity on a very tight local campaign. So it is with that knowledge, that I have a unique perspective on watching the central campaigns formally launch today.
Liberal
The big Liberal machine does appear to be well oiled and slick … from having the campaign bus ready to go to the well-organized public appearances we’ve seen so far. As someone who was a part of the 2011 Liberal campaign, I can tell you this was not the case. The 2011 election was on a set date and yet, the central campaign was marred with logistical problems right from the get go and right through to Election Day. There are some examples of that dis-organization in this campaign, but so far it’s been limited. That being said, when asking the party for something as simple as high resolution candidate headshots takes days and many emails back and forth – it makes you wonder exactly how organized the campaign is (for the record the PCs and NDP provided this in less than 72 hours of the request).
PC
The Progressive Conservative campaign was quick to extend an olive branch to the media early on in this campaign by holding two conference calls with senior campaign brass. The goal – at least for them was to get out their message that “this campaign is fundamentally different”. They say the PC campaign is focused on “policy, not personality”. While the events themselves have been smooth and well executed, it appears the organizers didn’t do their homework. Two venues received funding from programs that the Liberals accuse the Tories of describing them as “corporate welfare”. This gave the opportunity for the Liberals to attack the PCs on credibility.
NDP
It’s the campaign of her political life – analysts agree, Andrea Horwath needs to make serious inroads to prevent being canned as leader after pulling the plug on the Liberal minority government. Horwath has given more time to the media than either the leader of the PCs or the Liberals. Her party’s campaign has been quick to react to news as it’s breaking (such as the death of two mine contractors in Sudbury). However, what’s puzzling is some of the comments she’s made. A wise man once told me “don’t criticize if you’re potentially open to criticism”. The case of the TTC privatization accusations is a prime example. Horwath accused the Liberals of having a secret plan to privatize public transit. Then this morning said there was an opportunity to work with the private sector when it comes to transit. Pot meet kettle? Maybe not … but the Liberals used it as an opportunity to attack the NDP for not having a real plan.
Conclusion
This election, at least based on the opinion polls, suggest this is going to be one of the closest races in recent memory. Every seat could be in play, and the smallest mistake could be game over. It’s a long election, and whoever runs, or even trips through the finish line first – might end up on top.
QUESTION: What do you think of the early campaign? Weigh in below.
