Chantal Hebert puts the onus for winning by-elections directly on Stephen Harper today. She points out that "...the Liberals have done poorly in all four ridings for a decade or more". Pressure's off Ignatieff then. On the other hand, she points out that at least 3 of the 4 seats are ones the Tories could, if not should, win. Ball in Stephen Harper's court. Pressure's on.Hebert is right to this extent. However, she seems to be reading a little much into the impact of by-elections in analysing that Tory victories will be a referendum on how Harper has handled the economy.
By-elections are by-elections. They are the ultimate manifestation that "all politics is local". Turnout will be abysmal. Local personalities mean as much as bigger picture folks. Get-out-the-vote is crucial. The recent provincial by-election in Toronto St. Paul's is a prime example.
Comments