It’s 7:30 p.m., and we need a orange version of Pink to help get this party started. I’m at Heritage Hall, at 15th and Main, where the NDP’s sweater-and-jeans crowd is munching Costco-esque snacks, waiting for the news.

Have Jack Layton’s bare “workin’ man” forearms muscled enough seats to become the official opposition?

This 100-person gathering is for supporters of Vancouver Centre candidate Michael Byers, Vancouver South candidate Ann Chambers, and Vancouver Kingsway candidate Don Davies. Organizers have nothing else to do but shuffle the snacks. Kids eat two-bite brownies.

Officious-looking volunteers shove boxes of expired campaign materials under the tables. Hopefully, things pick up soon.