The bad news just keeps on hitting the BC Liberals like a tonne of bricks. It's been so bad that I really don't even know where to begin. Perhaps chronological order would be best. First came the refusal of many "good" leadership candidates bowing out of the race, then the suspension of the planned 15% income tax cut following Mr. Campbell's resignation, the impending recall campaign of Ida Chong and the Bill Bennett situation.
Flip-flopping is a reverse in policy by a party or individual after being previously announced or alluded to. After Gordon Campbell announced his removal from the Premier's office, everything previously announced by him not currently set as legislation was put up in the air, including the tax cut he showcased a week before. It has since been proclaimed by de facto Premier Colin Hansen that this will come to nothing. Not a bad call considering its unpopularity, but it still makes the government look clumsy at best.
My personal favourite for BC Liberal leadership, Carole Taylor early on said she wasn't interested in returning to politics. I'm still in denial over her not running to become the Premier. While I wouldn't have voted for her party, they would have at least been respectable. After she stood down, I though Dianne Watts would be the best fit despite the bug jump required from being Mayor to Premier. However, even she shook her head in disapproval. As Keith Baldrey said, "Doesn't anyone want this job?" The only candidates, or soon to be candidates bring negative views with them from the public. It sounds like a recipe for success to me. Fuck, if no one else wants it, I'll do it!
Ida Chong while also in an unpopular party is not a popular MLA either. On November 26th in fact, a recall campaign will begin in Oak Bay-Gordon Head. It will be the first of its kind in seven years, and will require 40% of all registered voters in 60 days to sign it. A tough challenge, but it has been achieved before. The principle driving force behind the drive is the HST. Unfortunately, focus is off the tax for now as the public desperately searches for a new leader. If however the team can tap opinion into her previous actions, it just might be successful. Still, I wish them the best.
Most recently, Bill Bennett has become the Liberals very own Bob Simpson: a shit disturber! First he was removed from cabinet as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources after saying Mr. Campbell should step down as Premier immediately. After this he had a little bit of a breakdown and called the first minister arrogant and many other not so pleasant things. It is because of those remarks he has also been removed from caucus. Yes, Bill Bennett is now an Independent MLA. He joins three other Independents Vicki Huntington, former New Democrat Bob Simpson, and former Liberal Blair Lekstrom.
The good news for New Democrats though: Gordon Campbell is still the leader of the pack and with that comes an awful stench to the public. These bad times will end soon ladies and gentlemen, and the sun will shine again.
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