Farewell to Howard Hampton

I’m sad to see Howard Hampton go. He has always been one of the most of the most sincere politicians around. I have always admired his principles. Hampton has always fought for what he believed in. I may have disagreed with him on policies, but he was always genuine in what he believed in. I also applaud him for always supporting gay rights, long before Ontario Liberals had jumped on the bandwagon. When NDP Premier Bob Rae allowed his entire caucus, including his cabinet, a free vote on the NDP government’s same-sex benefits, Hampton was one of the courageous 56 NDP MPPs (along with 3 Liberal MPPs) to vote for the same-sex benefits package. Sadly the majority of elected politicians in Ontario in 1994 were unwilling to allow for same-sex equality. Many of the 68 MPPs to vote against the same-sex legislation have changed their views and are now in favour of same-sex benefits and same-sex marriage.

There are several names mentioned as possibilities to replace Hampton as leader. NDP MP David Christopherson has already endorsed his provincial seatmate Andrea Horwath for leader. Also mentioned are NDP MPPs Peter Tabuns, Michael Prue, and Cheri DiNovo. Former NDP MPPs Marilyn Churley and Frances Lankin are mentioned. But Churley is the federal NDP candidate for Beaches—East York and Lankin is firmly entrenched as the head of the GTA United Way. Any of the NDP MPs from Ontario are also possibilities such as Charlie Angus from Timmins—James Bay.

I am a Liberal so I can’t endorse a candidate. But I say after the end of this weekend – let the leadership jockeying begin!

Alexa McDonough retiring

Alexa McDonough will not run in the next federal election. I am surprised by this. 63 is fairly young for a politician to retire. But Alexa has been involved in politics for almost 30 years, so she has earned her retirement. There are so many candidates from the Liberals and NDP that could possibly replace her in her Halifax riding it is mind-boggling. On the Liberal side, I can think of several names. One possibility is a political comeback by former Halifax MP Mary Clancy who represented the riding from 1988 to 1997. She is currently president of the Halifax riding association. I'm also wondering about a possible second attempt by United Church minister Kevin Little who was the Halifax Liberal candidate in the 2000 election. Another possibility is 2006 Halifax Liberal candidate Martin MacKinnon. MacKinnon had already won the nomination in 2007 to run in the next election. However last October he resigned his nomination to take another job. Now that the seat has been opened up he may regret this decision. If he wants the nomination back he will have to run for it.

On the NDP side possible candidates being discussed are former Nova Scotia NDP leader Robert Chisholm, 2006 Central Nova candidate Alexis MacDonald, and NDP MLA Maureen MacDonald. Any of the other Halifax NDP MLAs are possibilities. One thing holding back all of the Halifax MLAs is that the Nova Scotia NDP could form government sometime soon and running federally could deny them a chance to be in cabinet. I also wonder whether 1984 Halifax NDP candidate Tessa Hebb is interested in running. That may not be likely becaue I think she may live in Ontario now. Her son Matt, however, was the Nova Scotia NDP campaign director for the 2003 NS election. I also wonder whether 1988 Halifax NDP candidate Ray Larkin would be interested in running. Similarly, I wonder whether 1993 Halifax NDP candidate Lynn Jones would be interested in running.

I'm rooting for the Liberals to take back the riding. Nevertheless, Alexa will be truly missed by everyone.