Friday, September 4, 2009

The Dream May Have Ended… But the NDP Fight Never Will!

Of course we are disappointed and still depressed by Theresa’s decision to not run for NDP leader. This was an opportunity to make history and show our daughters that “Yes She Can.” Sadly, for several reasons the time was not right for Theresa to jump in and make history. If she was a candidate, we know she would be a force and the front runner.

Of course the NDP leadership election does not end with Theresa’s decision. The show must go on! We tried to draft Theresa for 3 reasons: we saw it as an opportunity to make history; she is a young and fresh face; and she has proven ability and tremendous experience in government. For us, it was always reason number 1 and number 3 that mattered. Experience does count, and although we have stated clearly that we prefer Theresa to Steve Ashton, and in fact we still do, in the current field of decidedly weak candidates, we at Draft Oswald will be giving our support to Steve Ashton. Of the 2, Ashton is the one with experience; Ashton is the one with a record; Ashton is the one with deep roots across Manitoba – Simply put, if the NDP wants to remain viable in the next election we need a proven leader, a leader who can stand out as being different then the opposition, we need Steve Ashton!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

An open letter to the Hon. Theresa Oswald

Dear Minister,

What can we say? Rumors are abound; some good, some bad. We are worried. Worried that you are going to be bullied out of this race but the same Party members who hung you out to dry only a few months ago; worried that you are going to pass on this chance to make history and show our daughters that Obama was only half right, it is "Yes She Can!" We are worried that without you our Party, the Party we love and support, will not be able to win the next election, and leave Manitoba in right wing neo-con hands.

Theresa, WE NEED YOU! Now more then ever! That is why we are drafting you to lead our Party! You have the right mix of youth, ability and having put in your time. When you first became an MLA you proved that you are a cut above the rest, and that is why you have been such a key player in Gary Doer's team. Some candidates may have a few more grey hairs, but is that what Manitoba is looking for? NO. One of the other candidates may also be young, but does HE have the profile to keep these swing voters voting NDP? NO. (Come on, a year around the cabinet table somehow makes him a front runner?!?)

Minister, we need you to do this. For us, for our sons and daughters, for our province! RUN BABY RUN!

Sincerely yours,

The vocal and ever-growing Draft Theresa Oswald Team
(this is one majority that won't be silenced!)

Bill Blaikie & Andrew Swan

Bill Blaikie has just done the first honourable thing since announcing his retirement from politics - he isn't running for a higher paying job!

Good for you Bill, we tip our hats to you.

And as for Andrew - your time will come. You've got plenty of talent and plenty of time.

But this time, let's make history!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Ashton?

There has been a constant stream of pro-Ashton comments on our posts ever since we started this blog, and this is what we have to say about that:

We know Steve Ashton. He is more than a casual acquaintance. Is Steve a nice and smart man? For sure. Is he a competent minister? You betcha. Next leader of our party? Come on...

We'd rather see Nikki take a run at this one!

Rumours etc.

Well, we have to clear the air. Many followers have emailed us asking if the rumours of Theresa moving to the USA are true. Well, they're just not true and they could very well be spread by potential rivals. From what we hear Sam is staying put.

And we're going to caution EVERYONE in the party not to pay attention to what the Black Rod says.

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Interesting perspective in the Free Press today - check out Draft Oswald mentioned in the speculation story!

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Flashback: Theresa on the campaign trail with Premier Doer!



Clearly, this is the natural successor to carry on the Third Way!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Why Theresa?

We've already said many of the reasons why Theresa should get the top job, but here are a few more to think about as the leadership race gets going:
  • She has the ability to stand up to opposition and media scrutiny - just look at how she handled the unfair attacks over the Brian Sinclair tragedy
  • A suburban mother has better judgment and can relate better than some of the older guys in our Party
  • She'll have the best hair in the field!
  • Having won two elections in a hard seat she has the chops for the job
This promises to be a very exciting race, so please check back here for more info on Theresa Oswald and her quest!

Draft Theresa Oswald back in high gear!

For Immediate Release

Winnipeg – with the retirement of Gary Doer, the Draft Theresa Oswald blog is back up and running. Minister Oswald has been a strong and reliable member of the Doer Government, and it is now her turn to lead. She has the proven track record of winning in a traditional Tory constituency and appealing to moderate Winnipeg voters. Simply put, Oswald is the only candidate that can continue Gary Doer’s momentum of strong, moderate and proven leadership.

The Draft Theresa Oswald team is a collection of party members committed to making Theresa leader of our party. Now is the time for Manitoba to join the 21st century in electing the first female Premier.

The Leadership election, to replace Doer, will be held this fall, under a delegated vote. All party members will be eligible to cast their votes to select delegates. Membership can be purchased by calling 1-877-863-2976.

Contact:
draftoswald@gmail.com