Straight Talk

NDP leadership candidate John Horgan says he offers “fresher approach to politics”

by Stephen Thomson on April 14th, 2011 at 3:50 PM
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      In the closing days of the B.C. NDP leadership contest, candidate John Horgan is saying he has something to offer that his main rivals don’t.

      “Adrian [Dix] wants to take a position that reinvigorates the base of the party and Mike [Farnworth]’s taking a position that we need to expand the party and it’s my view that we should be doing both and I’m best suited to do that,” said Horgan, a Vancouver Island MLA.

      “I can speak to the base as capably as Adrian and I can also speak to those people who have not yet thought of themselves as New Democrats as ably or better than Mike and that’s what I offer to party members, is a little bit of both,” he told the Straight by phone.

      An ability to appeal to both the party’s core backers and potential new supporters is key if the NDP is to win the next provincial election, said Horgan.

      “We need our base to believe that we can win and we also need new supporters to recognize that we’re capable and we can bring British Columbia back to the place that they want it to be: a caring, compassionate society that ensures that everyone benefits when the economy is strong and everyone’s protected when the economy weakens,” he said.

      Horgan, first elected to the legislature in 2005, said he also offers “a fresher approach to politics”.

      The remaining candidates seeking to win the April 17 party vote are Dix, Farnworth, Horgan, and marijuana activist Dana Larsen.

      Comments

      5 Comments

      TruetoSelf

      Apr 14, 2011 at 7:50pm

      British Columbians would be extremely fortunate to have John Horgan leading the province from the Premier's Office in a vibrant, new direction after years of 'tainted' politics practiced by a private club of selfish people who were only out for their own benefit - at taxpayers expense. BC needs a strong cure and John's it!

      He is a truly populace leader who radiates energy, good humor and vision for expanding the economy which will create a source of wealth to rescue our social services which have fallen into disrepair under the BC Campbell/Christy Libs.

      It's been an Insiders game where OUR cupboards have been raided for the benefit of a few close friends leveraged by abuse of power while abusing the public's trust.

      John Horgan will bring onside fed up BCers who are not necessarily NDP but all for integrity and vision - two characteristics that John holds in spades.

      Recently a close business associate met Mr.Horgan at the debate in Prince George and was SOLD. - in turn, he sold our family on this inspirational man. For the record, our friend was a previous BC Liberal supporter but disgusted with the corruption in every corner under the Campbell Gang.

      All good wishes to the man with the shining Irish eyes that will lead BC into a bright new, prosperous future for EVERYONE. I believe Mr. Horgan's intent and desire to build British Columbia - not unlike the Hon WAC Bennett did through his people powered base of support linked to his BIG vision and ethical backbone.

      May the luck of the Irish be with you on Sunday, Mr. Horgan!

      Proud to be a Horganizer!

      Apr 15, 2011 at 6:44am

      John Horgans entry into the BCNDP Leadership race has provided a spark of Hope, a bit of excitement and raised the level of Integrity in the room to new heights!

      It feels so good to be able to get excited about someone you can believe in.

      This man can and will (if given the chance) make a HUGE difference in the future of this province. Anyone who is in any doubt about how to vote in this race can feel extremely confident by marking their first choice for Horgan. It is truly our best hope for a brighter future. Horgan all the way!

      NoLeftNutter

      Apr 15, 2011 at 9:51am

      Sigh, just another talking head trying to con the BC taxpayers into turning the economy over to the labour unions.

      glen p robbins

      Apr 16, 2011 at 11:48am

      I had a dream the other night and Horgan was clearly declared the winner of the NDP leadership in that dream. Both heavyweights -- Horgan and I later fought for three rounds with the monies raised going to charity- (not Bono).

      No peyote - honest eagle.

      Roy Orbison or something else?

      TruetoSelf

      Apr 16, 2011 at 7:28pm

      I like your premonition, Glen . . . . & my gut instinct along with the online CBC poll where Horgan leads with 41+% climbing by the hour. . . . . check it out:

      http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/01/07/bc-ndp-l...

      . . . tells me your dream was a foreshadowing of a great Leader taking the helm of the BC New Democrats - & soon to be PREMIER!