To those who closely follow the political scene an election is like the Grey Cup, Stanley Cup and World Series rolled into one.
Voters in the Battlefords have the distinction of casting their ballots in one of the more interesting races in the province, and even though the News-Optimist has been accused of playing favourites in this space, we've been watching all four camps with interest.
Most low key is the Green Party campaign by Owen Swiderski. He says he is somewhat bemused to find himself thrust into the political arena, but held his own in the constituency's only all candidates forum hosted by the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Oct. 26. Swiderski's reaction to the impending Maple Leaf Foods closure of their North Battleford operation also prompted a lively discussion on www.newsoptimist.ca.
At the other end of the scale is Ryan Bater's bid to put a Liberal back in the legislature. From the second the writ was dropped Bater has been keeping his campaign front and centre with traditional news media as well as making use of social networking and other Internet resources such as YouTube. Catching the eye of traditional media when you are leader of what has essentially become a fringe party in the province is a challenge, but Bater has called in the big guns to make sure his campaign momentum continues. Friday he hosted Liberal MP Ralph Goodale and Thursday will welcome Justin Trudeau, Liberal MP for Papineau, Que. and son of former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
Incumbent Len Taylor's campaign has also been well supported by NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter, who has used the Battlefords as a platform to launch party proposals on more than one occasion. Lingenfelter was also a frequent visitor to the constituency in the months leading up to the election call.
Brad Wall has been in the Battlefords drawing attention to Sask. Party candidate Herb Cox's second run for election in the Battlefords. Wall is due for a second visit Thursday where he will speak at a luncheon at the Tropical Inn.
Will Bater's use of the Internet and supposed appeal to younger voters result in the Battlefords taking a turn from the beaten path this election? One supporter who responded to our recent tongue in cheek analysis of results of a newsoptimist.ca online poll thinks so. But, as that critic pointed out, the only poll that really matters is the one to be taken Monday. Be sure to cast your ballot.
