Gerry Lenoski, who was the British Columbia communications chair for Michael Ignatieff during the recent federal Liberal leadership race, will be running for the Grit nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Lenoski explained, "That's where I grew up. That territory is home to me. And those people make a difference to me."
"I've been around a while," continued Mr. Lenoski. "I've managed a lot of campaigns. I ran for president of the party ten years ago. And I did spend an accumulated seven years in Ottawa for varying members of the Trudeau cabinet. And I know what the job of MP is. I've done it by extension. I've gone to bat for people over immigration cases and won. It's a social workers job primarily at the constituency level. And that's a draw for me." Burnaby-New Westminster is presently held by New Democrat Peter Julian.
Gerry is one of the most genuine people I have ever encountered in the political sphere. He has a heart of gold, and I mean that with every fibre of my being. I know many on the Ignatieff campaign who will echo my sentiments when I say that I look at Gerry as a figure akin to one of my uncles - with reverance and 100% support.
He is a very astute political operator, and the party would be very wise and lucky to have him as a Liberal candidate in Burnaby-New Westminster.
Whatever happen to Joyce Murray, now there's a genius candidate...
Thanks for the link, Sean, pointing out that this guy picked Iggy over Dion. But I guess it just shows how unpopular liberal party is these days with only party insiders wanting to get nominated. At least Mary has some community service credentials, the nomination of Gerry Lenoski will probably seal the fate for liberals in this riding.
Since Peter Julian has the 2nd safest ridings after Davies in Lower Mainland, I guess which candidate the liberals decide to nominate wont be relevant in the next election anyway. The more interesting nomination "race" will occur in the northern Burnaby riding
God help us.
Peter Julian has the 2nd safest ridings after Davies in Lower Mainland?
In 2004, he barely edged Mary Pynenburg in a tight 3 way race, with 33%. By the way, the NDP was sitting at about 25% in BC on voting day. For comparison sake, the NDP is at about 18% in BC right now. This is not an insurmountable gap, but keep in mind the fact that the NDP tends to poll best immediately preceding an election and actually declines in numbers by voting day. Peter Julian is NOT in a safe seat right now. Neither is Bill Siksay. About the only "safe" New Democrat in BC is Libby Davies.
There are a lot of New Democrtic seats that will- be safe, especially on the island where Carole James trumps Gordon Campbell's bellboy Jeff Bray.
But we are talking about Lower Mainland, so let's stick with it. Gerry Lenoski is running against two NDP mayors and two NDP MLA and obviously he does not know what he is getting into.
If Mary cant even carry her hometown in New West where she is the chief urban planner, Gerry Lenoski will only do worse in New West, Joyce Murray - in my opinion - was a disaster federally or provincially. If NDP loses this riding, the party may as well lose the rest of the ridings in Lower Mainland, (barring Libby Davies of course).
I have no idea where Bob Roberts gets his figure of 18% for the NDP in BC at this time. Secondly, his contention that the NDP numbers fall during an election in BC is quite the opposite of what I have observed. On the contrary, it's the Liberal numbers that are highest before an election and tend to taper off during the actual contest.
I have to say I am surprised to see Jonathan Ross involving himself in comments at the level of individual races since he has an interest in working as a campaign consultant for both NDP and Liberal candidates on occasion.
Gerry Lenoski may be up against some competition for the Burnaby New West Liberal nomination. Supposedly, Vancouver East riding association president and Dion supporter Daniel Lee is also interested in the nomination.
I'd have to agree whole-heartedly with TDH Strategies. Gerry has the people skills necessary to win, and the political experience to know what to do when he does. Gerry is incredibly genuine, and I think he'd make a fantastic candidate.
I'm glad that Burnaby - New Westminster finally has a Liberal interested in running for their nomination.
The 2004 and 2006 federal elections were three way races in Burnaby - New West. I anticipate the next federal election to be the same.
If BC rides the national wave to turn the Conservative minority government into majority in the next federal election, then watch for Burnaby - New West to be painted blue as well.