Rodney Throws Down the Gauntlet For Rakaia
If the National Party didn't already know, it does now.
From the Ashburton Guardian via Andrew Falloon's Blog
ACT Party leader Rodney Hide threw down the gauntlet on his trip to Mid Canterbury last week, making clear his intention to mount a serious challenge on Rakaia MP Brian Connell's seat, in the traditionally National stronghold.
"We're looking for a good candidate to put forward in this electorate," he said.
While in Ashburton on Friday he met with Ashburton Mayor Bede O'Malley, representatives from the business sector and Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers.
It was Hide's second visit to the province in as many months and he was again accompanied by ACT MP Heather Roy.
Mr Hide reiterated the concerns he raised on his last trip, when he said Mr Connell's expulsion from the National caucus had "politically neutered" the electorate, leaving voters with no voice in Parliament.
"We are here to find out how we can assist in Parliament, and to see how Act can best represent this electorate," he said.
If that wasn't clear enough, Rodney repeated his message at Canterbury ACT's end of year function at the Tulsi Restaurant in Christchurch last night.
Several young National Party members attended as guests of our Canterbury Uni ACT on Campus branch. Our conservative friends were a bit concerned that us challenging for Rakaia might not be wise, but I think Rodney's logic got them thinking.
Wouldn't be surprised if we even had a few Nats campaigning for us in Rakaia, like they did in Epsom.
From the Ashburton Guardian via Andrew Falloon's Blog
ACT Party leader Rodney Hide threw down the gauntlet on his trip to Mid Canterbury last week, making clear his intention to mount a serious challenge on Rakaia MP Brian Connell's seat, in the traditionally National stronghold.
"We're looking for a good candidate to put forward in this electorate," he said.
While in Ashburton on Friday he met with Ashburton Mayor Bede O'Malley, representatives from the business sector and Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers.
It was Hide's second visit to the province in as many months and he was again accompanied by ACT MP Heather Roy.
Mr Hide reiterated the concerns he raised on his last trip, when he said Mr Connell's expulsion from the National caucus had "politically neutered" the electorate, leaving voters with no voice in Parliament.
"We are here to find out how we can assist in Parliament, and to see how Act can best represent this electorate," he said.
If that wasn't clear enough, Rodney repeated his message at Canterbury ACT's end of year function at the Tulsi Restaurant in Christchurch last night.
Several young National Party members attended as guests of our Canterbury Uni ACT on Campus branch. Our conservative friends were a bit concerned that us challenging for Rakaia might not be wise, but I think Rodney's logic got them thinking.
Wouldn't be surprised if we even had a few Nats campaigning for us in Rakaia, like they did in Epsom.
posted by Trevor Loudon at
12/02/2006 11:29:00 AM
6 Comments:
Good to see that ACT got the message from National. And with John Key in charge it seems it really doesn't matter who ACT partners up with.
I think its going to leave a lot of room for ACT to reclaim our vote share.
John Key may drag some votes out of the mushy middle but I'll be surprised if he inspires the people of principle.
Hope I'm wrong.
Rodney is kidding himself if he thinks ACT can win Rakaia - he is headline chasing again. The Nat's will have new candidate in that electorate they will win it, and retain it for decades. Another Nat' MP will have a job for life, providing they keep their mouth shut.
The challenge for ACT is to do a deal with National to not stand in Epsom. The continued existence of ACT's entrails depend upoon it.
Where have I heard that line before anon?
Will I see you walking in a G string down the main street of Ashburton (a la Keith Locke in Epsom) when you are proven wrong?
Put your body on the line!
Heh, i'm sure the retailers of East St would be more than happy to contribute some body paint :)
Hello! ;)
heh... what unhinged newz!
what do U think about it?
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