Earlier, we reported Wendy Yuan would be running for the federal Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway - the riding presently occupied by turncoat cabinet minister David Emerson. In an interview with Public Eye, her campaign chair Mike Hillman explained Ms. Yuan's early start this way: "It's my understanding that Bill Graham, as our leader, is anxious to make sure whoever becomes our leader in December has a party organization and structure that is prepared (for an election). Therefore, there's work that can be done now. There's certain steps that can be taken. And I believe he has been talking to the leadership contenders - as well as to his caucus - about doing some things. And I think, as part of that, there is the potential that there's a number of ridings in Canada - not many but some - where the leader might well decide it's worthwhile to proceed with an early nomination date." And one of those electoral districts will be Vancouver-Kingsway? "I think it is. And I've argued for that. So it's up there for discussion. But it's ultimately (Mr. Graham's) decisioin."
Mr. Hillman also responded to questions as to whether being Ms. Yuan's campaign chair was in conflict with his role as the Liberal's national vice-president - one of the party's senior elected officials. Explained Mr. Hillman, "I don't see it as a conflict. The process around the machinery of elections rests with the leader and with his campaign team. I'm not a member of that. The campaign team - according to our constituion - when it comes to the (nomination) rules they consult with the national executive. It's not that the national executive passes those rules. It isn't their jurisdiction. So I don't see a conflict in any regards as to the rules and my ability to influence the rules."
"My dedication to the party has been to all the members who volunteer and get out there," added Mr. Hillman. "And, in Wendy, I've seen a person who put a tremendous amount of effort into the party in the past. She's continued to do that - in spite of making room for David Emerson. She's continued to grow within the party. She has that dedication. She's an exceptionally hard worker. And it's that type of hard work that I quite cherish in our party structure."
Others being talked about as possible nomination candidates in Vancouver-Kingsway include former United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society chairman Mason Loh, who was a candidate in Vancouver East during the 2000 election, and Royal Pacific Real Estate Corp. president and chief executive officer David Choi.
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This is a bit early. Hopefully our party won't get into the bad habit of appointing candidates again. Let the local association membership decide.
Wonder what happens if Emerson decides to pack it in? He could easily do so. Doesn't need to run again.
Nope, Marky Mark Marissen has nothing to do with Kingsway, not a thing. Doesn't even live in the riding, just across the street. Nope, Sir Hillman's folly? Not a chance, he's in there because Wendy's such a terrifc candidate, yup.
Choi and Loh are foolish to try and run. They are part of the crew Marissen unceremoniously ejected (great team building Marky!) during the most recent riding executive elections.
Nope, Sir Hillman's there for all the right reasons.
Until these yohos have been exterminated from the Grits, the great rift valley will remain and it will be PM Harper.
Pssst...hey buddy, can you spare a dime? I'll even by you a membership or six hundred...right Mike? Er, I mean Mark...
What a joke.
What's your hang up with Mark Marissen? You sound quite bitter and, well to be quite honest very, very creepy.
Just a question...aren't Mike Hillman and Mark Marissen involved in different leadership campaigns?
I recognize your creepy style of writing from the blog from the other day. What's the deal? Are you bitter because Mark didn't invite you to one of his parties?
Let it go dude!
Here are the facts:
1) Hillman is organizing for Wendy because he needs the contract job, and is willing to overlook who Wendy is supporting in the Leadership race.
2) Wendy will support whoever Mark supports. This time it is Dion.
3) The last person's point that Mike and Mark are supporting different leadership candidates is irrelavent. Things haven't been the same between them ever since Mike ran Christy's NPA nomination. I suppose this comment is made by a Dion supporter.
If you knew any 'facts' about Hillman, you'd know that he doesn't charge for political services. He's retired.
Who is Hillman supporting?
Pff... Wendy Yuan is an aggressive woman who is doing everything she can just to sit like royalty in a MP seat.
I think all three of them are pretty strong candidates. They should ALL start organzing now - because when an election rolls around we'll want to be as ready as possible in this key riding.
Yuan Meng has no chance in hell in the upcoming election even if she wins the nomination uncontested. And tell me again why Mason and David want to jump on a sinking ship.
Wendy Yuan is much more articulate than Sophia Leung, and Sophia was much more successful than David Emerson. This is a Liberal riding, but also a very Chinese riding. Wendy will work very hard, and has many supporters in the Chinese community. It is not wise to underestimate her.
Do you really know who this Wendy Yuan is? It would be a service to our country if she were to be properly vetted now.
This JIT guy is a real sour grape. Igg's camp made lots of sense when questioning Loh's membership list...
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