Leadership endorsements from Baker’s Dozen “healthy sign” for B.C. NDP, David Schreck says
David Schreck is one of those New Democrats who, according to him, “may never forgive” party dissidents who caused the downfall of former B.C. NDP leader Carole James.
The former North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA has held the view that the rebellion that forced James out “permanently damaged” the party at a time when the B.C. Liberal Party was itself imploding. At least that’s what he told the Straight in a phone interview on December 6, 2010.
But despite his strong views on the 13 MLAs who mutinied against James, Schreck now says that it’s a “healthy sign” that many of the erstwhile rebels are coming out with endorsements for party leadership candidates.
Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth has five supporters from the Baker’s Dozen, while Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan has two declared backers from the group.
“Ultimately, if a party is going to be credible as an Opposition, and hope to form an alternative for real change, the wounds have to be healed,” Schreck told the Straight in a phone interview today (March 18). “So I think it’s a healthy sign that both John and Mike are picking up endorsements from both sides that were involved in the dispute.”
Schreck added, “There are some people like me who may never forgive and forget. But it needs to be put aside even if we don’t forgive and forget, and the party needs to be united.”
Asked what he thinks about leadership candidate Adrian Dix not getting any endorsements from the Baker’s Dozen, Schreck said, “All of them haven’t declared yet.”
An active political pundit, Schreck is neither making any endorsement himself nor hazarding any prediction as to the outcome of the race.
“I enjoy gambling and I would not bet on the outcome of this,” he said. “Dix is extremely well organized. Farnworth is way ahead in the polls. Horgan is working hard, is well respected, and could end up coming up the middle being the compromise candidate between Dix and Farnworth. He [Horgan] could make it.”
Comments
22 Comments
Looking for Real News
Mar 18, 2011 at 4:19pm
This is what, the third spin on this same story?
I think Horgan is going to take it was well.
Greg Whincup
Mar 18, 2011 at 4:25pm
John Horgan is the only one of the three who could win an election, unless Christy Clark totally implodes. Dix is too far left. Farnworth has a weak manner. Horgan has the common touch, as well as being smart, strong, clear, direct, and moderate. He is the one who can draw the undecided middle toward the NDP.
I hope NDPers don't just vote for the candidate they already know, but choose the candidate who can actually put the party in power. Horgan could become another Dave Barret, or even Wacky Bennett. He seems to me, as one of his constituents, to understand the soul of BC.
rah
Mar 18, 2011 at 5:41pm
I like John Horgan. I haven't fully decided who I'll support yet, but I think he's extremely personable and sensible. He seems like a leader.
I'll decide after I see a few debates.
tim.
Mar 18, 2011 at 6:03pm
horgan's support is hard to find outside of the island. farnworth, on the other hand, has support from a wide range of MLAs in caucus and support from all across the province. he is the best candidate to beat christy clark.
Richard Hughes
Mar 18, 2011 at 6:47pm
Horgan is the guy and it is encouraging to see his support continue to grow as people get to see that he is warm,engaging, genuine, well informed, and electable.
Bruno15
Mar 18, 2011 at 7:12pm
The cabal put their daggers away ... for now. God save the next candidate who displays the two fatal sins -- moderation and an election loss.
Steve Y
Mar 18, 2011 at 9:38pm
How are they deciding who to vote for? Backroom deals? None of these candidates have any platform besides "shut all projects in BC down".
UWSofty
Mar 18, 2011 at 10:00pm
I've only just started following the NDP race recently, but John Horgan has been the most impressive so far. Larsen has been the most surprising (I wasn't expecting him to have so much depth). Farnworth has been the smartest. Simons the most invisible. Dix the most disappointing.
Pamela
Mar 18, 2011 at 10:32pm
I think Farnworth is clearly the best choice. He is smart, and clearly knows how to bring the right people to the table. Recent endorsements by Corky Evans (past minister of agriculture) and Lana Popham (current agriculture critic) - people who he has put on his Farm Team - are evidence of this.
The BC NDP party needs a leader who not only says they can bring the party together, but actively does. Farnworth, by gaining endorsements from both sides of the previous divide, is clearly doing just that.
astro
Mar 19, 2011 at 11:22am
Carol James (probably with help from Moe) brought this on herself. The disidents spoke to her in private and it should have stayed that way. But she decided to give them special scarfs and the cat was out of the bag. Then all hell broke loose and she had no choice but to resign. This confidential trust that the MLA's expected was broken.