November 9, 2008

Martha Hall Findlay is a Sub-Prime Candidate

I really hate to be the asshole here but Martha Hall-Findlay should not be allowed to seek the Liberal Leadership until she pays back at least some of the debt she incurred 2 years ago.

From the Hill Times most recent update on leadership debt, Martha has paid back exactly NOTHING from her leadership run two years ago.

Here is an analogy that should make many Liberals hesitant about indebted candidates seeking the leadership again.

Assume the Liberal Party is a bank.

In the last race, martha borrowed 200k to finance a leadership bid. In the 2 years since the event, she hasnt shown any attempt to pay back this 200k. (She raised 100k but none since she lost)

Would you allow the same person to run up another 200 000$ in debt? Someone who borrowed 200% of what she was able to raise? This is ridiculous.

This does not preclude dark horses form running. It precludes people from saddling the Liberal Party with debt. It is the Liberal party which is screwed because as she raises the 200 000$ for yet another leadership bid, the party loses out that 200 000$, which it desperately needs.

After what we saw with Dion, it is clear a candidate needs to be able to raise money to be an effective leader. With her current track record in terms of not raising money, I firmly believe the Liberal Party would be acting irresponsibly if it allowed MHF to borrow more money before paying off a sizeable amount of her previous debt.

I have no problem with Kennedy running. He is at least trying to retire his debt. He has shown an ability to raise money. He is much less of a risk.

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8 Commentaires:

Blogger Steve V a dit...

This comment has been removed by the author.

11/09/2008 7:39 a.m.  
Blogger Steve V a dit...

Kennedy has actually paid off as much debt as Rae and Iggy, but he incurred more, mostly because his campaign started without the same appartus as the frontrunners. This despite a low profile, while others had the benefit of their stature to help retire debt. Plus, I believe Gerard brought in more new Liberals than anyone, many of which have stuck with the party since, MYSELF included.

11/09/2008 7:40 a.m.  
Blogger Mark a dit...

How is the party on the hook for her debt?

11/09/2008 9:07 a.m.  
Blogger Anthony a dit...

I explained this in the blogpost, I guess not clearly enough. Allowing someone to run up a debt that is twice the amount they end up raising only saddles the party with that much more money that needs to be raised that isnt going towards an election. I am not saying she cant run. I am saying she should show signs of paying off her original debt before forcing the Liberal Party to raise more money so she diesnt get fined by Elections Canada.

As for Ignatieff, I think he should pay back every cent before he puts any new money towards a potential leadership bid. However, I was under the impression that had already happened. I might be wrong though.

Steve, I said I have no problem with Kennedy running as he is trying to pay down the debt and has shown an effort, and is well on his way.

I think the fact you say that Kennedy supporters have "stuck with the party" is a bit of a cheap shot towards me. My decision to go to journalism school was made well in advance of the outcome of the race. Many of my colleagues here in Quebec were aware of it.

11/09/2008 9:45 a.m.  
Blogger Steve V a dit...

antonio

No, no, I honestly didn't even consider that when I made the comment. I just meant Gerard has brought new people into the party, absolutely nothing to do with your circumstance.

11/09/2008 9:59 a.m.  
Blogger Sinestra a dit...

Antonio, you're assuming that people who contribute to an individual's leadership campaign would automatically contribute the same amount to the Party. Not true.

Your post sounds like the third arm of the LPCQ's proposals. Sub-prime - or as they put it 'marginal' - is offensive on so many levels. Does this type of thing help Iggy or the Party?

On a positive note: you and your blogging nemesis are on the same team for once, but I'd be willing to bet he's getting paid more ;)

11/09/2008 11:41 p.m.  
Blogger jad a dit...

"Does this type of thing help Iggy or the Party?"

Actually it does, but if you can't see it for yourself, then it's pointless trying to spell it out for you.

Sounds like history is destined to repeat itself here.

11/10/2008 11:41 a.m.  
Blogger Anthony a dit...

that would be pretty easy "sinestra" since I am not on the Ignatieff campaign and even last time, I didnt take one cent.

11/10/2008 3:19 p.m.  

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