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Emerson, "I was never a Liberal"

by Tina Kells | September 5, 2008 at 02:27 pm

176 views | 17 Recommendations | 3 comments

Controverisal Conservative MP David Emerson announced earlier this week that he would not seak re-election in his riding of Vancouver-Kingsway, but he will still play a role in the upcoming election campaign. Emerson announced Friday that he will co-chair the Conservatives' national campaign.

The former Liberal party member, who was elected under the Grit banner, has finally explained his decision to cross the floor of the House of Commons to join the Conservatives shortly after being voted in to office.

"I was never a Liberal," he told CBC News on Friday, during an interview in which he explained why he chose not to run again in the riding of Vancouver-Kingsway.

An election campaign will be launched Sunday, when Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean to ask her to dissolve Parliament. Harper confirmed Friday afternoon he will meet with Jean shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Canadians will then go to the polls Oct. 14.

Many constituents felt betrayed by Emerson's actions and were looking forward to seeing him run again - so they could not vote for him. Now they won't get their long awaited chance to watch Emerson lose his seat. Instead, Emerson will enjoy a good position within the Conservative party for the duration of the campaign. Can a Senate appointment be far behind?

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Barry Artiste

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 20:53 on September 5th, 2008

Tina Kells, I like this story. It's good stuff. If no9t a Lieberal, perhaps a Green Party Member?

eastvanray

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 22:45 on September 5th, 2008

Tina Kells, I like this story. It's good stuff.

I have been involved in politics for many years and I still have no idea what a (large L) Liberal really is. Is it Heddy Fry? Paul Martin? Are the fiscally responsible like Paul Martin Jr. or spend like a drunken sailor like Paul Martin Sr? What exactly does a "Liberal" believe in? Emerson seems to have an idea of what a Liberal is insofar as he is not one of them. I live in his riding and I will say that he is not conservative. So where does that leave him? Out of politics - good riddence. Back to the bureaucracy for you!