3. Down in Flames, ELECTION REFLECTION STORY

Brantford, Ontario

“DISAPPOINTED.”

This quote is from Doug Martin, Canvas Chairman for Dan McCreary, the Conservative candidate for the region. It properly reflected the entire Conservative Party on October 10^th. Unfortunately for them, this was Ontario’s vote night. Disappointment was not only the mood, but could be felt right across the room at Moose Winooskis in Brantford, the riding site for the Conservatives.

Certainly, when you go down in flames, it is never a good thing. And certainly, this case is no exception.

McCreary came up on short in the Regional Election, which was won handily by the Liberals and reigning MP Dave Levac. It was also consensus in all of Ontario, where it was won rather handily by Dalton McGuinty. He too, like Levac, is entering his second term; Levac for the riding of Brant, McGuinty as premier of the province.

“I thought it’d be much closer,” Martin continued as the unfavourable results poured across of the bottom of the television screens.

Everyone’s face who appeared in the room with McCreary and the Conservative Party was of shock.

The Conservative national candidate from Brant, Phil McColeman, fielded questions about the loss. “The media chose the issues which to run with for the campaign,” he opined, speaking of provincial leader John Tory’s evident stumble with the private school funding. “The province clearly wasn’t ready for Tory’s plan for faith based schools (being under a funding umbrella).”

McColeman said he would grant promises that the Liberals have broken, specifically in the area, to keep BCI alive and in its current location.

McCreary arrived at the local riding at around eleven PM to the disappointed faces. His own face also represented the predominate look of his peers.

In admirable fashion considering the loss and obvious disappoint lurking, McCreary delivered his speech shortly after arrival.

He didn’t make excuses, like others had. He took it like a true man, a good leader and simply told it how it was. “We went down in flames. We all did,” he said speaking of his entire Conservative platform.

Despite losing to Levac, McCreary remains supportive of Levac and respects the man he lost to claiming “Dave does a good job here.”

Ron Dancey, a Conservative member in the political game for forty years says until next election in four years time, his Conservative Party “will continue to put pressure on the Liberal Party in the meantime.”

After presenting Levac with due accolades, McCreary then stated, “Tomorrow is a new day.”

Patience, as well as optimism, is a virtue. The Tories are hoping it serves them well.

- Jesse Ferguson