UPDATED: Liberals Still Smarting Over Axworthy Testimonial, NDP says
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The Liberals are firing a late-day salvo at Kevin Chief, say the NDP, because they're still smarting over former Liberal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy's endorsement of their candidate in Winnipeg North.
Chief made $350 in political contributions to the Winnipeg Centre Liberal riding association after the federal election in 2008, widely-read Liberal blogger Steve V at the Far 'N' Wide blog reported this morning.
NDP campaign officials say Chief was trying to help pay off the campaign debt of his colleague, the 2008 Liberal candidate Dan Hurley, who worked with him at the University of Winnipeg. University of Winnipeg President and former long-time Liberal M.P. Lloyd Axworthy has endorsed Kevin Chief in the federal by-election, and appeared prominently on Chief's first leaflet.
Chief's campaign notes that he has also recently been joined on the campaign trail by the 2006 Liberal candidate, the Métis musician Ray St. Germain, amongst other Liberals, and say they encourage Liberal bloggers to be certain and scour Chief's campaign financial return for many other names they might recognize.
UPDATE: See the comments below. I guess it was more of a testimonial quote.
FURTHER UPDATE: See what this all started: Open Letter from Kevin Lamoureux to Kevin Chief
All this proves is that Kevin Chief is a decent man.
Arthur Cramer, Winnipeg
Support by Lloyd Axworthy and Ray St. Germain for Kevin simply reveals that those – regardless of party – who know him respect him as a person of integrity.It also reflects well on Lloyd and Ray, in my opinion.
Still doesnt really change the fact that the NDP is panicking over this by election.
Rumour is that their ID #s are way down from 2008. It was a big risk running someone as inexperienced as Chief.
Hmm, that’s interesting. NDPers usually refer to ID numbers as “marks” (short for “checkmarks”). Where did you hear this, Josh?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2010
Kevin Lamoureux demands apology from NDP candidate for misleading voters
WINNIPEG – Winnipeg North Liberal candidate Kevin Lamoureux today demanded an apology from NDP candidate Kevin Chief for blatantly misleading the people of Winnipeg North by falsely portraying a statement from former Liberal MP Lloyd Axworthy as an endorsement in a campaign brochure circulated throughout the riding.
“Mr. Chief should be ashamed for creating the false impression in Winnipeg North that he has the support of former Liberal MP Lloyd Axworthy,” said Mr. Lamoureux. “This is the lowest form of politics, and if the NDP think they can get away with fooling voters through this kind of deceit and trickery, they’re dead wrong.”
The brochure prominently features Dr. Axworthy and is clearly styled to appear as a political endorsement. Dr. Axworthy has said that, given his position at the University of Winnipeg, it would be inappropriate for him to endorse any political candidate. Dr. Axworthy did not give his permission for his photo or comment to be used as an endorsement.
“If Mr. Chief has any honour, he will do the right thing by retracting this false endorsement and apologize immediately,” said Mr. Lamoureux. “The people of Winnipeg North should be able to expect any individual seeking to represent them to act honestly and in good faith, and this deliberate attempt to mislead them shows a lack of respect and judgment from Mr. Chief.”
A federal by-election is expected to be called soon in Winnipeg North, to elect a new MP to fill the seat vacated by former MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis who stepped down to run for mayor of Winnipeg.
“I had hoped that Mr. Chief and the NDP would run a clean and fair campaign focussed on the issues, but after bringing this breach to his campaign’s attention, I am deeply disappointed by the continued circulation of this flyer and the dishonourable conduct this shows before the by-election has even started,” concluded. Mr. Lamoureux.
Josh, in you dreams. NDP hold.
Fantino wins in Vaughan and Javier wins up the middle in Winnipeg North … and Ignatieff submits his resignation to the Liberal party on Friday, December 3rd.
Hi, liblogger, and thanks for posting that. I confess the word “endorsement” was mine, as I read that into a sort-of testimonial quote. I see that Steve V has updated his blog with the release as well.
@Observant
In you dreams; I say it again, NDP hold.
The NDP has a better chance of winning Dauphin-Swan River Marquette than the Tories do of winning Winnipeg North.
Lloyd Axworthy has not endorsed Kevin Chief. The Kevin Chief campaign is using all that their candidate has, pictures with prominant people. Not being able to match the grassroots support that Kevin Lamoureux has cultivated over the past 18 years as an MLA, they try to make it look like Kevin Chief actually has a record in the community. Which he does not.
Remember, the NDP got 63% in Wpg North last election and the Liberals got 10%. That’s a huge margin for the Liberals to make up.
Is it just me or is Kevin Lamoureux the most outraged man in Canadian politics ?
Like Harper coming to Winnipeg North unannounced! The nerve of the PM to visit a Canadian city!
Or Chief using someone’s testimonial in campaign literature. The nerve of Chief to use someone’s actual words!
I believe i’m not that the only one to notice this faux outrage. It makes him look petty and not serious.
Today’s press release that Lib Blogger posted for us is no different.
I’ve heard that Lamoureux is a very polarizing figure even within the teeny weeny Potemkin village that is the Liberal Party in Manitoba. A lot of Liberals hate him and he has run for the leadership (once or twice) and lost.
more than likely a sign of liberal desperation , as if you were running ahead you’d not need to make such an attack in the final days of a by-election in a riding not held by party . liberals were likely over optamistic is thinking they could actually win winnipeg north .
Its interesting that the Lamoureux seems to be sputtering that NDP criticism of Michael Ignatieff (which I’m sure is well-deserved) is somehow a “dirty trick”. I guess its all part of the old Liberal party attitude of entitlement – as if it is impossible for anyone to object to Liberal policies and leadership for valid reasons – no any criticism has to be some sort of “dirty trick”.
I wonder if at every Liberal strategy meeting an agenda item is “What will be our ‘outrage of the week’?”
Shadow,
If we took a poll, Pat Martin or possibly Mark Holland would easily beat Kevin L. for “most outraged” politician.
For use of props, Wayne Easter.
What do you think?
I have not seen any updated photos of lawn signs on front lawns. I would find it more reliable than the Facebook prediction in Canada.
What do you think?
So, does Axworthy endorse Chief, or not?
I looked at Chief’s website, and it’s not listed in the endorsements.
I realize it is the U of W, but I’d be surprised if they are keen on their President making partisan endorsements.
R
CS I bet Danny Williams could give them all a good run for their money.
I think the point on Lamoureux is that he’s flailing.
That statement he put out today was incredibly juvenile. Why not just ignore the issue and move on ?
Not sure about signs, other than that tidbit awhile back about Julie Javier having high visibility.
Election day is so close now I think we should all sit back and be patient, no more trying to read the tea leaves or make predictions.
But I will say that Ignatieff is on very shaky ground suddenly.
The press jumped all over him for that rather lousy joke the other day about pat downs.
I’ve seen 5 or 6 editorials on what’s wrong with the Liberals this week.
Instead of the expected recriminations over a Fantino win everybody is jumping the gun with PREcriminations.
Shadow,
point taken with the exception DW has 70% approval rating has delivered results.
He bypassed QC for hydro deal.
He did not back down from the celebrity seal- Europe debate.
He has long buried the ABC campaign and has been very positive with comments our PM.
He does love a fight and for the most partisans from other parties don’t want to get his wrong side. His two weeks notice is from a position of strength.
I agree with predictions it is a mugs game with no local polling data.
Each party should retain their seats as the gaps were 5,000+ and turnout is very low.
Any seat change will be an upset and become buried before holiday break.
I am not upset with a bad joke. The media are part of the problem with chasing non issues.
I can find a great deal of fault for Ignatieff and don’t need to attack his poor judgment regarding his junk.
Michael Ignatieff won’t be going anywhere until after the next federal election.
“I am not upset with a bad joke. The media are part of the problem with chasing non issues.
I can find a great deal of fault for Ignatieff and don’t need to attack his poor judgment regarding his junk.”
I can absolutely second that. Another made up story to slight someone with a “gotcha”. Schoolyard journalism as it were.
But as for Williams and all the positives you listed… He is still the traitor that took down the flag. He deserves no allocades beyond those cheering his departure.
As to the by-elections? I think the conservatives and NDP will retain their seats. But the liberals seem very worried in vaughn. I am not sure it isn’t a tossup between the tories and the liberals at this point. Iggy has invested considerable political capital in a push to win both Vaughn and winnipeg. If he comes away with nothing after such a push, he is sure to take another round of pounding from the media looking for more gotcha’s
Barcs I agree that taking down the flags was inexcusable but we should judge the whole of the man, not just the flag stunt.
I saw a chart on the news of Newfoundland’s GDP in billions. Basically it skyrocketed under his leadership (yes we had a commodity boom but his skill in cashing in on it was remarkable.)
Interestingly the one fight he lost was with Harper.
Everyone talks about what a smashing success the ABC campaign was. True but what was the original goal ?
To block a budget policy Flaherty was pushing.
The budget ended up passing anyways.
However, I can guarantee you that fact will be absolutely lost in any of the write ups we see.
Despite the last minute attempts from Mr.Lameroux to make this a nasty race. This is a NDP stronghold and will stay that way. The Liberals will clearly increase their popular vote total from their disappointing results of 06′ and 08′. If Dr.Rey Paktahghan couldn’t hold the seat for the Liberals back in 04′, then I doubt Mr.Lameroux will. He has support in the Northwest of the Riding but the North End had always gone heavily towards the NDP.
Check voter turnout by polling station. Then see how likely it is that this go to Kevin L instead of Kevin C.
Hint.. Kevin L’s core area tends to vote more. Then again it might not stop snowing before monday and all the advance polls will go Kevin C’s way
Dean, I’ll certainly be looking at the poll-by-poll results when they come out.
You know, this concentration on who is going to vote and who isn’t is wearing me out. I have never seen so many guys so excited at the idea that people might not want to exercise there democratic franchise as a postive thing in all of my years watching and being involved in things politicial. Aside from how bad this really is for democracy, how do you think voters are going to remember this election with an attitued like that?
Dean, I know you guys (yes, I know you are a Winnipeg Libera), think no one else is going to vote. Your assumption of a win based on concentrated turnout in certain areas, only works if the vote throughout the rest of the riding is extremely low. As much as you hope otherwise, this is just not going to happen. There are not enough Libral votes outside of our what common wisdon considera Liberal “stronghold” polls in Winnipeg North to counter the total vote in the rest of the riding; even if the turnout is low.
Slice it and dice it any way you want, bottom line, NDP hold.
Arthur Cramer, Winnipeg
NDP hold or Conservative pickup, it still means Liberal fail
The NDP has done a good job of getting there vote out and Kevin Chief has touched many in the community. NDP Hold!
Looks like I’m going to have to open a weekend thread for reader predictions!
“Dean, I know you guys (yes, I know you are a Winnipeg Libera), ”
Hey art
No I am not. Quit spreading lies about me. I know Arthur Cramer is a fascist pig that loves to pay people to vote, in fact I heard that you personally stand on higgins and give free ones to anyone willing to vote your way. Lies are great when you can make them up with no facts eh? Quit slandering me.
Let me state for the record. 2004, I voted Eric Truijen federally (not a liberal) 2006 I voted Judy W federally (not a liberal). 2008 I voted Ray Larkin Federally (hey now..that not a liberal either). Provincially I voted Kevin L. Last time. ( no idea who I voted for the time before that ). I (unlike you apparently) use my brain when voting. I look at all the issues, the person running and what the party they are running for stands for. I take these all and more into consideration and vote based on whom I think will be the best one. It would be great if everyone voted that way instead of the derp that so often happens.. I am voting X because my overlords tell me they will be best.
I am not “hoping” anyone wins based on voter turnout. I am simply stating facts. Look at previous polls for the riding. Look where the majority of votes came from. Look at who is “stronger” in which areas. One thing you have to understand as well. Voter fatigue, that might be a killer this time. People are “sick” of politics and even worse, the local press aint saying crap about this election in Winnipeg so especially with this crap weather AND the crappy (compared to civic) polling stations, this election could come down to true party support instead of “every day” electors.
If you “know” I am a Winnipeg Liberal and are so very wrong about that, how much else do you “know” that you are wrong about?
OK, now might be a good time to recommend you fellas meet for a coffee and sort this out offline.
Based on leaflets.. Kevin Chief may well take this one hands down. I am received 7 drops of flyers by him and his team now. 2? Liberal. 2 Conservative and none from the other candidates other then one email from the communists and the ones I picked up the night of the forum.
Based on signs.. Kevin Lameroux, mind you… so many houses have two or three signs its hard to really base it on signs at all.
Based on presence in the community? Kevins take a draw.
Based on internet? The Pirates take it.
Based on people voting for the “party in power” (and keerist does that ever happen alot around here) Conservatives take it.
Ok, I will admit when I am totally out to lunch, and be man enough to admit it. And what else am I wrong about, well various things, but here obviously, wrong about you.
My apologies, totally out of line, and I am sorry. Pure and simple. You know I am really old enough to know better. I know I tend to let my emotions get the better of me now that I am out of the service; guess I had a reason to control them better. Can’t help it some times. Not a good reason, and a lame excuse, but at least in part, true.
I apologize to you and every one else on this blog. No insult intended, but apology sincerely given.
Arthur Cramer, Winnipeg
My apology above of course, first and foremost to Dean.
Oh and again, sorry punditsgude.
I was shocked that Lamoureux would write a letter questioning Chief’s integrity. Come on, let’s get real. Axworthy, allowed a quote and a picture. He has been around politics long enough to understand what that would mean. Let’s not pretend that a man of his stature could be taken advantage of!
Axworthy might not have endorsed Chief but he did donate to him… http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-picture-is-worth-some-very-angry-words-110781719.html
This is brutal for the Liberals in these final days.
Louder,
I disagree with your assertion that Axworthy is at fault for being photographed with Kevin or making a positive statement to that effect at some gala, event in the past.
The fact is Axworthy has not given an endorsement for WPG North according to the Press Release for ANY political party wishing to remain neutral. It states he thinks it would be inappropriate given his position. (Seem VERY clear on his decision)
It is inappropriate to suggest a photo and a positive quote is an endorsement to be used in perpetuity as you deem fit.
A phone call and permission was not granted for use in this campaign according to Axworthy as stated by him in the press release.
The facts are clear. Compare it to Don Cherry. There is NO confusion or criticism of unfair use of photos or praise. It is an endorsement.
Call it whatever you want. The Free Press article notes:
“He said he supports people privately through donations he makes”.
That is pretty clear about whom Axworthy is supporting. This is typical Lamoureux; the guy is a whiner, and petty.
Ok, Axworthy doesn’t endorse people, but he “suppports people privately through donations he makes”. That is clear enough right? @Canadiansense, you get it right?
I’ll say it one more time, slice and dice it any way you want, NDP hold.
I apologize as well Arthur. I have been fighting that “Dean is a Liberal” for so long and correcting so many people it gets very frustrating having to do it over and over. Dean is Dean, and while I have been asked to run by more then one party in more then one election I seriously doubt I ever will because I will never be able to “toe the party line” no matter which party it is.
Canadian Sense,
“Endorsed” I guess this is a confrontational word these day’s. Just to set the record straight, I would never imply that Axworthy is at fault!! I would never fault Axworthy for showing respect for someone whom he admires and he made it clear in the article that he admires Chief.
It seems that Lamerouex’s last ditch attempt to make chief look bad backfired!!! The article in the free press made him look desperate and how I read it, Chief did nothing wrong. I agree with previous writer in Lloyd knowing exactly what was going to happen. Plus it got Chief more publicity showing the flyer again. I found this quite humorous. I think that Kevin Chief ran honest hard working campaign. To get so many flyers out without being mailed could be a true testament of the hard work that he will perform in the riding.
“how I read it, Chief did nothing wrong.”
how so? The flyer in question stopped being used only after a complaint was made. Seems to me if he did nothing wrong, he would not have stopped using the flyer.
But as to the backfiring. Dont really think it did much of anything. The news coverage of “the event” is pathetic at best and no one who has not pretty much already decided who to vote for really seems to care.
“To get so many flyers out without being mailed could be a true testament of the hard work that he will perform in the riding.”
Oh please.. he is running as an NDP candidate in a riding that has been NDP for quite some time. There are so many volunteers that a dead monkey would have gotten just as many flyers out without using the mail.
“Plus it got Chief more publicity showing the flyer again. ”
100% bang on. except… it dont matter, most people are not talking about this byelection at all, riding the bus to and from work everyday and talking to people some people are not even aware we are having an election.
As a tory I find it nice to see the liberals and NDP fighting as it is nice to sit one out. When considering this bi election and its effects on the parties the simple reality is the tories dont expect to win so to Harper no big deal, for the Liberals with so much ground to make up Ignatief is safe if they don’t win (Vaughan however is a different story for the get Iggy movement to rail on) If the NDP lose that would not be good for Layton but that simply won’t happen. This bi election is a foregone conclusion to stay NDP the areas infatuation with Paktakhan was a result of a spike in Liberal support in Winnipeg that evaporated years ago.The only question here is whether or not the NDP hits 50% the result is not in question so enjoy Ottawa Mr Chief