Former Saint John mayor, MP is latest high-profile N.B. Tory to endorse Woodstock MLA for leader

a3

By Jim Dumville

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

As Woodstock MLA David Alward crosses the province drumming up grass-root support and signing up new members for his leadership bid, he knows success also depends upon earning the support of influential Tories.

Last week, he captured the endorsement of one of the province’s most respected and outspoken party members – former Saint John mayor and MP Elsie Wayne – in his race against Riverview MLA Bruce Fitch and Sussex businessman Robert MacLeod.

“I am supporting David Alward because of his honesty, hard work and commitment to the people of New Brunswick,” said Wayne.

“I wish him all the best.”

Wayne, who rose to political prominence as Saint John mayor, served as the city’s representative in Ottawa over several terms. Her popularity in Saint John was strong enough to allow her to escape the purge of federal PCs in 1993. Only Wayne and current Quebec premier Jean Charest maintained the Tory seats in Parliament.

Wayne’s endorsement adds to a growing list of prominent Tories joining the Alward camp.

While he needs and appreciates the support of major political players, the Woodstock MLA knows that in a one-member, one-voteleadership race he must meet face-to-face with the average New Brunswicker.

“I am grateful for the confidence these people are showing in me and the opportunity to bring a different kind of leadership to our party and our province,” said Alward.

“As I continue to meet and listen to New Brunswickers, their genuine desire for a government and leadership bringing communities together by building bridges not barriers, is inspiring.”

Alward has also garnered support from a handful of caucus colleagues, including influential Carleton MLA Dale Graham, who served in several cabinet posts, including deputy premier, in the Lord government.

Graham has a solid track record when it comes to supporting leadership candidates.

He was among the first and biggest supporters of Bernard Lord’s successful bid for the leadership post.

“David is in the best position to form the next government. His honesty and integrity are what people really want and deserve in the premier’s office,” said Graham.

Other sitting MLAs endorsing Alward include York MLA Carl Urquhart; Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder; and Oromocto MLA Jody Carr, who was once considered a potential candidate himself.

MacLeod, who stepped down from his position as N.B . PC Party president, also carries several sitting MLAs among his d e c l a r e d supporters.

When he made his leadership announcement last month in Sussex , MacLeod had Albert MLA Wayne Steeves, King East MLA Bruce Northrup, Moncton Crescent MLA John Betts and Conservative house leader Bev Harrison by his side. Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore was also on hand to convey his support.

Fitch, on the other hand, has not grabbed a lot of caucus support to date. Only Dieppe Centre-Lewisville MLA Cy LeBlanc has officially endorsed the Riverview MLA.

Still, there are many prominent Tory caucus members up for grabs. That includes Lameque-Shippagan-Miscou MLA Paul Robichaud, who decided against seeking the leadership despite being touted by many as a front runner for the job. Those MLAs who were waiting for Robichaud to announce his candidacy and others who are simply undecided will soon be making their preferences known.

Some, if not all, will carry significant weight, especially within their home ridings.

Those still on the fence include Restigouche- la-Vallée MLA Percy Mockler, who is a close friend of Graham. He has not, as yet, indicated whether he’ll follow his good friend and former cabinet colleague into the Alward camp. Other undeclared current caucus members include Tracadie-Sheila MLA Claude Landry, Tantramar MLA Mike Olscamp, Rogersville-Kouchibouguac MLA Rose-May Poirier, York North MLA Kirk MacDonald and Charlotte-Campobello MLA Tony Huntjens.

Three key N.B. Tories will remain neutral during the leadership race, which concludes on Oct. 18 at the Aitken University Centre in Fredericton. Interim party leader Jeannot Volpé; Madeleine Dubé, the opposition’s caucus chairwoman; and Rothesay MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney, who is serving as the leadership convention’s co-chairperson, must remain impartial. Choosing to remain impartial is New Maryland MLA Keith Ashfield, who has been nominated as the federal Tory candidate for Fredericton.

“I’ve decided it is better for me to stay out of it and cast my vote on the day of the election and leave it at that,” Ashfield said.

While Alward, Fitch and MacLeod will all court high-profile endorsements, each knows that winning the race means catching the attention of Tory members, including new ones who joined just in time for the convention.

Alward said he is reaching out to the average New Brunswicker.

“I’m spending my summer travelling the province, meeting with ordinary New Brunswickers and listening to their ideas,” Alward said.

“If I could bring only two things to government that is lacking now, I know New Brunswickers would welcome common sense and honesty.”

He will have a chance to deliver that message when he, Fitch and MacLeod address the public during five leadership forums, beginning Sept. 12 in Edmundston. Other stops include Tracadie-Sheila, Sept. 15; Moncton, Sept. 16; Saint John, Sept. 17; and Fredericton, Sept. 22.

The Tory Leadership Convention Committee elected to use the forum system – which it notedworkedwellduringthenominationconvention that elected Lord – instead of formal debates.

Party officials, however,said the committee is not opposed to outside interests planning a leadership debate.

Alward said he would be happy to participate in a debate, but noted the public will be free to ask each candidate questions during the forum.