BREAKING NEWS: Minister Bill Bennett Considering A Run With Federal Conservatives
A source close to provincial cabinet has confirmed that the Hon. Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development is seriously considering leaving the provincial government to run as the Conservative candidate in Kootenay-Columbia. The current MP for that riding, the well-liked and highly-respected Jim Abbott, has already announced that he will not be seeking re-election. Mr. Abbott cited family reasons for his departure (he is a father and grandfather many times over)–this after 17 years of solid service to his riding.
But a run by Mr. Bennett would certainly provide another sure win for the Tories there.
“I think Bill’s had it, frankly, with all of Gordon’s BS, like most of us, and he probably likes the idea of serving the people of his area at the federal level, too. Bill’s a great guy and any party would be lucky to have him”, said one caucus member on condition of anonymity.
When I contacted Mr. Bennett, he certainly didn’t hesitate, and in his usual straight-shooting manner said, “Alec, you know I really like doing what I’m doing, particularly this Ministry…I’m really enjoying it, but I don’t lie to anybody, you know that, so yes, I’m considering it; I’m giving it a lot of thought and just looking at my options right now”
When I asked if he would likely jump now or later, he politely declined to comment further.
It’s no secret Jim Abbott and Bill Bennett are friends. And it’s also no secret that Mr. Bennett is beloved in the Kootenays. Many pundits (myself included) speculated that he might not carry his constituency of Kootenay East in the last election due to the palpable disdain for the Premier in that region of the province. But Mr. Bennett’s personal cachet carried the day and then some, turning what looked like a possible loss into a comfortable enough win.
In all likelihood, if Mr. Bennett does leave for certain success as the Tory candidate in Kootenay-Columbia, his replacement as MLA would be one of two current Mayors: Dave Wilks of Sparwood or Scott Manjack of Cranbrook. Either would be a strong candidate for the Liberals, but may face some fierce opposition from the New Democrats.
By-elections are a difficult proposition for the government, at the best of times, but in this constituency the NDP would throw everything they had at winning it: It would become a test-case for the anti-HST forces and a referendum on the popularity of the Premier, whose numbers continue to plumb new depths.
And there is no indication, thus far, that Premier Campbell understands or appreciates that only his swift departure (read: by end of 2010 at the latest) can save the next provincial election from being the NDP’s to lose.
To be sure, possibly losing grassroots populists and competent ministers like Bill Bennett is not a good sign.
From what you know of the man, and my own limited knowledge of this gentleman, I would say “go for it” though I don’t usually like people jumping parties (most of the ones we’re aware of are sleeze-balls). But being as the Liberals were the closest thing to a conservative out here on the left coast, this would be understandable. Besides, with a name like that, how could you lose!
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I’ve always liked Bill Bennett. He’s a straight-shooter and if that offends some people–good. Maybe if we had politicians, who appear more human, warts and all, we’d find that their policies would get greater acceptance, and make more sense. The Campbell govt suffers from the kind of slick PR propaganda that sank former Prime Minister Paul Martin. Then again, if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a gazillion times: If you want a political campaign to screw-up royally, put a few PR consultants in charge. Guaranteed train wreck. I wish Mr. Bennett luck, if he does it. He’d be a very fine successor to Mr. Abbott.
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Good stuff there AT. It’s also as you can read between the lines, a manifestation of deeper things within the caucus of The Gordomatic.
No doubt Bill Bennett will be reading the polls and chatting with trusted people (hopefully not those anemic political hack organisers within the Conservatives – a person has to be a fool to take their words 100%).
Sometimes it’s best to seek an opporunity when it comes and just
put down the MLA (Minister) business cards and just walk away.
This will force a by-election, and right now level loonies (even money) if The BC Liberals make it through.
Will be interesting to see how The Gordomatic stickhandles this one. Watch for a ‘preset” candidate to be “presented” to the riding association without a plausible vote of choosing.
The NDP will want the seat too, since It’s not really a conservative/liberal seat, but more of a seat in regards to Bennett
who did the right things and worked the riding and earned respect of many, including obviously those who would ordinarily vote NDP.
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Absolutely. The NDP will throw everything they have at this. And as well, they should. I think if the Liberals have the by-election before Gordon’s departure, you’ll see a loss for certain. He is unbelievably unpopular in that region of the province. He will surely not campaign up there regardless of who the candidate is, otherwise, the NDP need do nothing more than make it an HST protest vote. And it’s over. Bill Bennett has a great deal of personal cachet in the Kootenays, so replacing him as MLA will be very tough. Keeping the current Premier in the mix will only seal the deal for the NDP. He’s got to go, ASAP. The longer he stays, the more damage to the Liberal brand–and the less of a chance for survival–and not just in the Kootenays. Always a pleasure to share ideas with you. Be well.
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The way I see it, Gordon Campbell will either call it a career before summer, or he will do everything in his power to lead the BC Liberals into the next election. If he faces a revolt from within the party, his ego will take over and he will fight tooth and nail to retain his position. He doesn’t give a tinkers damn about the party, only himself. The BC Liberal party was just a convenient vehicle for him to get into power in the first place.
If Bill Bennett runs for the federal Conservatives and gets elected, all he would be doing is replacing another Conservative and therefore get Stephen Harper no closer to a majority. He’ll just keep the status quo. He would definitely liven up the House of Commons if allowed, but the penchant Harper has in controlling his underlings will probably relegate him to just another robot. That may be a role that Mr. Bennett could not live with for any length of time.
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I’m not sure I agree, with respect. If Gordon doesn’t leave, he liquifies the Liberal brand. There will be no way to reconstitute. If he is still around by end of year, there will be no need for a revolt. People will just jump ship. He’s finished.
As for Bill Bennett, I am certain he will get an opportunity to shine. Yes, he replaces another Tory, but I’m not concerned with Mr. Harper’s chances for a majority, since with some of the recent advice he’s been accepting, I don’t think there’s a chance he’ll make it. He needs to fire Guy Giorno as Chief of Staff and get rid of the silo builders who hang on Mr. Giorno’s every word. I was simply interested in seeing the Kootenays getting another quality MP to replace the retiring quality MP. The are wonderful people up there, and it’s a part of the province I’ve enjoyed for many years. Good luck to them all.
Thx for stopping by. Good to hear from you.
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Hi Alex. You have really put Bill Bennett in a bad spot with this story. There are people around the Premier, who will now make his life a total hell. What were you thinking? you obviously like Bill and there is lots to admire. He is one of the good guys but you have no idea how terrible the Premier’s people can be.
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Let me be clear. I have no idea why the Premier’s people would be so put off. Mr. Bennett, in any interview I’ve ever done with him (there were only three) has been absolutely supportive of Gordon Campbell and actually took me to task a little, for my obvious disdain of the Preem. I think Gordon is completely heartless and has clearly lost his way. Mr. Bennett, though, has spoken favorably of him. Besides, the comment about the Premier being tiresome and loathed was made by another member of caucus, and NOT Mr. Bennett. I think that’s obvious from what I wrote.
And let me tell you…I am more aware of the Premier’s people and what they are capable of than you or they know. But I appreciate your comment. Be well.
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“ it’s also no secret that Mr. Bennett is beloved in the Kootenays.”
Correction:
it’s also no secret that Mr. Bennett is beloved in the EAST Kootenays (or more accurately South Western Alberta)!.
I guess you don’t mention Mr. Bennett’s racist tendencies because he is neither NDP or Vision, eh? Of course racism and divisivness are part of the Reich Wing platform after all – listen up, there’s a dog whistle!
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Can you name what “racist tendancies” you are referring to? Please be specific. It’s easy to sit up North between an empty whiskey bottle and a copy of Das Kapital and throw stones at people, but you really need to sober up before coming around here. I have little tolerance, if at all of the lies you and others spread. I’m all for anonymity on the net if that’s your bag, but with people like you, it shoudl be mandatory to tell us who you are. Sorry koot, but you’ve overstayed your welcome here. I’m frankly tired of having to correct your lies.
Bennett is beloved throughout the Kootenays. I know a lot of folks up there, and that’s their opinion. And or good reason. Mr. Bennett is a straight-shooter in a business where that isn’t the currency.
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How about the manner in which Mr. Bennett (whose comments have had him fired from Gordo’s cabinet in the past, which usually requires the threat of criminal charges at minimum – or disagreeing with the dicktater) constantly reminded the voters of his opponent’s First Nations background referring to himself as being “just like you all, especially as a “taxpayer” unlike his opponent. Mr. Bennett wouldn’t stand a chance of being elected in most ridings in the Kootenays, and we haven’t had a Conservative MP in my riding since Bob Brisco, who was a completely different species than the current Reform/Alliance crowd kissing the skirts of Steven.
jI know he never referred to his opponet as a drunken Indian or similar derogatory terms, but that’s what I meant by “dog whistle.” The Reich Wing can speak in tongues or more accurately code, and the racists to whom the message is addressed “get it.”
By the way – I’m not a DIPPER!!!!!!!
The East Kootenay region is more like Alberta than the rest of the Kootenays which are not represented in Ottawa or Victoria by the Harper Cons or their provincial equivalent – Gordo’s Goons. If I’m not welcome here that is fine with me, I really find the vitriol and stupidity to be something that makes me want to take a shower after I visit here.. Mr. Bennett would have no trouble being elected on the east side of the Crowsnest, unlike Alex, Patricia or Michelle the MP and MLAs from the rest of the Kootenays.
I’m sure you (since you know everything, even though facts are of minimal importance to you) realize that the idea of joining Alberta is a recurring theme in Mr. Bennett’s riding, which is a better fit in Post Democratic Texas North!
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1) Bill Bennett’s comments were not proven to be racist or anti-native. On the contrary, what those comments clearly illustrated was that there is a culture of entitlement by some in the native community and they cannot miss an opportunity to twist comments that were ambiguous at worst. You are making a mountain out of a wart–if that.
2) I never said you weren’t welcome here. I just said I’m getting tired of having to correct you. You show up with schlock and then complain and whine all the way through continuing to get it wrong. That’s not my fault. Do your homework next time.
3) You’re not a dipper? Please… A simple perusal of your own website shows an almost sycophantic deference to the NDP.
4) You’re delusional. Try to take a deep breath. I know sites like mine ruin the chances of an NDP win in the next election and this bothers you to no end. Tough.
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Yes, I agree. And thank you for the tip. I researched for about 48 hrs and then broke the news here. Much appreciation for this. Keep your chin up. The Olympics are over. And the Campbell Clock begins…
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Bennett is an outspoken politician who sometimes wears his emotions on his sleeve and he has suffered the consequences for that. But one thing I have noticed over his years in the provincial bear pit in Victoria is that he doesn’t lie. The premier’s henchmen shudder every time Bennett is interviewed because he seems to be pathologically honest. Frankly I’m surprised he has survived in politics. If he goes to Ottawa, he won’t be any different. He’ll say what he thinks. That’s good by me. And yes, he is respected in the whole region because he works for the whole region.
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Alex, it’s apparent that some posters here do not have political analytical skills.
The federal riding of Kootenay-Columbia had the 5th highest BC federal Conservative vote share during 2008 garnering 60%. The federal NDP candidate garnered 23% of the vote. It will continue to be a CPC cakewalk.
Even Bill Bennett, the incumbent Liberal captured 51.2%, the highest the Liberals ever received in the provincial riding of Kootenay East (comprising 1/2 the federal riding) aside from the 2001 NDP meltdown.
Add another 10% for the provincial CPC candidate in Kootenay East. The provincial NDP candidate in 2008 received its lowest provincial share of the vote since time immemorial.
The Kootenays are a paradox – anything east of the Kootenay Pass becomes more right wing with Albertan influence and anything west of the Kootenay pass is still infested with draft dodgers, tree huggers, and granola bar eaters who just LOVE the NDP – like the previous poster Kootcoot.
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That’s why I replied as I did. He has no clue what he’s talking about. Koot’s problem is that he has the narrative right: Gordon Campbell is unworthy to be Premier and should be gone. But like Tieleman and BC Mary and a few others, who do very good work in unearthing much of the Basi-Virk info, their motivation is far from pure. It’s not about the story, it’s about the story being the catalyst to getting the NDP elected. It’s why their credibility is fading–rapidly. I know the Kootenays well having hunted through there and camped in the bush there. They are really decent folks, some of the best in this country. Bill Bennett is a perfect candidate for the Tories and he will sail through the process and will win handily. Koot is a fool. Don’t worry about a man who spends so much of the time getting it wrong only to try and smear others, like me, who spend time getting the public’s right to know at the forefront.
Your numbers are accurate and appreciated here. Thx so much for coming by. Very best to you and yours.
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Todd is correct about the political fault line at the top of the Salmo – Creston skyway, though the riding boundaries don’t follow the divide as for example keeping Creston with Nelson provincially gives the Reich Wiing a shot at gaining a seat in that riding and Cranbrook and coal country don’t need the votes to elect the representatives of the Fraser Institute.
His gratuitous insults of everyone west of Creston are un-necessary, but nothing I haven’t come to expect from both the blog owner and his synchophants. .
As to Bennett being “If he goes to Ottawa, he won’t be any different. He’ll say what he thinks,” or a straight shooting straight talking individual – this won’t stand him in very good stead in Stevie’s Ottawa and he will rapidly find himself ostracized by the PMO and marginalized. Maybe that is part of the reason he is not sure if he is interested in replacing Jim Abbott. I don’t know enough about him to know if he would like to take the Chuck Cadman, Belinda Stronach or Garth Turner route – which would be the only option to swallowing and biting off his tongue.
If one wants to be part of Stevie’s New Canada, one must not disagree with Steve and must keep their mouth shut, unless they are reading the script. Gordo on the other hand, his caucus can say or do anything, well almost, as long as they continue ultiimately to support the crime lord they can break the law themselves, rob the people or say stupid stuff. BC Libs only have to leave IF they have some integrity or to protect themselves (hopefully for them) legally.
As far as me being a dipper Alex. Perhaps I do hold dear the principles of the old CCF or NDP of Dave Barrett. I have no use for the current crop of Vichy turncoats, which if you actually read and UNDERSTOOD my blog you would realize. If Carole James, Krog and the rest actually did their jobs and represented their constituents Gordo would at least be a memory and at best be incarcerated.
Joy and Jenny were a more effective oppostion, even though the rude dude wouldn’t recognize them as such!
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Todd didn’t insult anyone. It’s you that comes on here and insults people without cause or reason–not to mention you can’t get your information straight most times…
Additionally, I would appreciate that you not refer to the Premier as a “crime lord”. This is totally unproven and offensive because it is UNPROVEN. If there is something you’ like to say, PROVE IT. And use your real name. Why the cowardice? You make a MAJOR accusation and hide behind a contrived name. Why? I do not like Gordon Campbell, I think he is the worst Premier is B.C. history. But to say the man is a criminal is astounding stupidity. Yes, he drank and drove and was convicted, but what you chat about on your blog is something bigger and broader than being caught doing something stupid.
If you continue to write baseless accusations like that again, I will not print your comment and I print EVERY comment. Grow up.
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Aside from the fact that drinking a driving IS a Criminal Code offense if committed in Canada, which would indicate to me the odds of Gordo having committed that crime at sometime prior to that wet night on Maui are I would estimate very high. Hell, I’ve gotten away with that one myself, though I’ve learned over time how stupid it is and do not take that risk anymore.
But if you don’t consider
” and anything west of the Kootenay pass is still infested with draft dodgers, tree huggers, and granola bar eaters who just LOVE the NDP – like the previous poster Kootcoot”
could you advise me of a new dictionary so can find out what is the definition of “insult.” Draft dodger, tree-hugger and granola etc….. are about as neutral as nigger, wagon-burner or chink and unless my dictionary is out of date an infestation is not a good thing (unless it was my bank account being infested with money say).
As far as my “nom-de-plume,” that is just another red-herring – at least I’m not like the recent onslaught of anonomice and shifting usernames (from the same IP) that have descended on her joint to muddy the waters. I have my reasons for using kootcoot, and unless YOU are sending me a check, who I am is on a need to know basis.
By the way – Is Rapheal Alexander really Robin MacNair?
Now as far as whether or not Gordo is a criminal – I will admit it is only an allegation but I’m sorry aside from the Maui incident I feel it is (or should be) criminal to:
1. Outright LIE about SPECIFIC DEFINED POLICIES such as:
I will not sell BC Rail
We aren’t even considering an HST
The deficit will be no more than 495 million
2. To secretly auction off the rights to the creeks and rivers of the people of BC
3. This is buddy Rich’s bad, but Gordo is CEO
Removing forestland from public hands and turning it over to a corporation employing your own relative without public input or consideration of the public interest (Jordan River – Timber West or whatever they call themselves today – I’m an ex-logger and years ago I sometimes had trouble keeping track of my own employer’s current name)
And this same kind of thing is happening elsewhere in the province, even locally.
4. Destruction of Public Records and Evidence
5. John Les (again Gord is the CEO)
I could go on – and by the way it isn’t my job to prove anyone is guilty of any crime, I am not a cop or prosecutor – but to me there seems to be a whole level of “organized crime” that isn’t being investigated, much less prosecuted, though project everywhichway accidentally got waaaaay toooooo close for some folks’ comfort, or at least that is the way it appears to me!
Now that the games are over and the threat of economic calamity remains – I fully expect an exciting and likely illuminating upcoming year. I can’t imagine that all the shoes poised to drop will remain suspended in the air.
Oh yeah, wrong thread, but I can’t wait until you explain the origin of life, it will be so wonderful to finally know for sure the answer to such an eternal question.
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Okay, perhaps we MIGHT be getting somewhere here. I don’t disagree with any of the “offences” you list. In particular, I’m convinced form discussions of had with top insiders, that the Premier himself gave the order to destroy those emails…through a now departed surrogate. There is some evidence to support this and I’m sifting through more.
Todd’s descriptions were not insults, they’re fact.
And as for my beliefs, you already know I’m a Christian and I believe life began in the Garden. Mock at will. I do not look at life through the tight prism of the literalist (which is what I am, for the most part). I have FAITH. You don’t, good for you. But wait for the post and you can draw your carving knife then…dull as it mostly is…
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Alex, thanks for the partial acknowledgement of reality! As to Todd’s comments, using bumper sticker names such as tree-huggers, granola bar eaters hardly qualifies as facts.
As to your Christian beliefs – you are welcome to them and I appreciate your willingness to accept my lack (of at least traditional) Christian beliefs. I grew up in an Anglican/Espicopal family and have spent much thought on trying to resolve the evidence of science and the stories in the Bible during portions of my life. I admire those like Tom Harpur who really put an effort into resolving such apparent confilicts.
I think the United States and Canada both (at least theoretically) are based on religious freedom – though fundamentalists of all stripes try to subvert that basic principle be they Islamic, Catholic or garden variety born again Xtians. I think that the government should legislate and enforce the laws of man (murder, robbery, etc.) and a person’s relationship to God or whatever term one chooses to use for the non-empircal aspects of life and the universe is between the person and whatever he considers the truth in that regard.
Once the government or my neighbor feels it is their business what I do or think that doesn’t have any real effect on them – I have a problem and their religious beliefs do not justify their intrusion on my life anymore than Hitler’s personal political/philosophical/religious views justified his treatment of the Jews or the Talilban’s interpretation of Islam their treatment of women!
As the song goes “Whatever gets you through the night!”
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You speak the truth of many things…I have often been conflicted as a Christian. But by the grace of God I am still here. Don;t look at the resume and think there weren’t a lot of sleepless nights. IT’s not by accident, I think, sometimes, that my favorite comedian, Billy Connolly and my favorite writer, Christopher Hitchens, are both avowed atheists… But I feel as strongly as they don’t that Christ is my personal saviour. I just don’t talk about it much here, because I respect all creeds and do not feel because it’s my blog, it’s always ALL my way. In many ways, this blog belongs to all of you too. Thanks for stopping by, I’ve really enjoyed this exchange. I wish you well. Tomorrow, you get more posts than you’ll know what to do with.
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Bennett is staying in Victoria. He doesn’t want to miss out on the fun of a leadership transition and he will do his darndest to make sure the next BC Lib leader is Carole Taylor. Most BC Lib elected types want a change at the top but so far no one is looking like the knife wielder. If Gordon stays past this coming fall, the knives may come out, if any of them have the guts for it.
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Absolutely. And they must. I saw Minister Bennett’s release yesterday and will comment on Monday. Good to hear from you. I thought you’d forgotten me!
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