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!
Friday, September 4, 2009
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!)
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!
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!
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.
*****************
Interesting perspective in the Free Press today - check out Draft Oswald mentioned in the speculation story!
*****************
Flashback: Theresa on the campaign trail with Premier Doer!
Clearly, this is the natural successor to carry on the Third Way!
And we're going to caution EVERYONE in the party not to pay attention to what the Black Rod says.
*****************
Interesting perspective in the Free Press today - check out Draft Oswald mentioned in the speculation story!
*****************
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
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
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
Friday, February 6, 2009
The last post...for now
Well, it's been fun. But we have to leave you for a while since we've been asked to suspend this blog and we are honoring that request.
We would like to make one final comment. Gary Doer hung Theresa out to dry this week. We've heard rumblings from a source in the Legislature saying communicators in the Premiers office refused to give Theresa lines on the healthcare controversies this week. So if you're wondering why she appeared less than prime you know where to point the finger.
Methinks that Bill Blaikie is the successor of choice by the establishment. Only time will tell.
We'll be back up and running once the race is official. After how this week unfolded we hope it's sooner rather than later...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Now we know who the Tories are scared of!
When counting sheep and a warm glass of milk wouldn't put me to sleep last night I decided to see what a YouTube search of our favorite minister would bring up.
Surprise surprise... the first two results were Tory attack ads.
I went to check their YouTube channel, and it appears they're just as smitten with Theresa as we are! When 2/3 Tory ads made since the summer are attacks on Minister Oswald, we know who theyre scared of.
We'll hold tight, and wait for those attack ads on Steve Ashton (who many readers here seem to think they're scared of). But until then, it's pretty obvious that they agree Theresa's the one.
We said it before and we'll say it again... we hate to say I Told You So!!!
Surprise surprise... the first two results were Tory attack ads.
I went to check their YouTube channel, and it appears they're just as smitten with Theresa as we are! When 2/3 Tory ads made since the summer are attacks on Minister Oswald, we know who theyre scared of.
We'll hold tight, and wait for those attack ads on Steve Ashton (who many readers here seem to think they're scared of). But until then, it's pretty obvious that they agree Theresa's the one.
We said it before and we'll say it again... we hate to say I Told You So!!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Province seeking input into the health needs of women
Province seeking input into the health needs of women
This is a great idea... but... isn't the best way to ensure women's health needs are brought forward to politicians is to have more women in the Legislature? The old saying is true: a woman's place is in the house... and the Senate!
But until we achieve 50% women in the Legislature these meetings are a great start!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Comments on the Mary Agnes story
Happy New Year everyone! After a great trip to the slopes of Fernie we're ready to dive into what could be the most exciting year for our party in many years.
FIRST of all, with the drama unfolding in Lord Roberts, Fort Garry and St. Norbert, how is it we lose a seat when we go from three ridings to three ridings? We have three strong female members here and they will each have a natural riding to run in. We do not agree with Mary Agnes Welch that Diane McGifford will be forced to retire. As champions of more women in the legislature, we fully expect and hope she will be a candidate in Fort Garry-Riverview next time around.
SECOND, we have to completely agree with Mary Agnes Welch that a suburban/south Winnipeg strategy is needed to win. She says "if the opposition is to form even a minority government in 2011, the Tories need to essentially sweep the city's suburbs."
We agree, and we also know who WON'T let that happen. If we are to go into the next election with a new leader, we can't afford to mess with a successful formula.
Because folks, let's get real, does anyone think that he, he, or she can win south Winnipeg or Winnipeg's suburbs? Some say that Theresa is not a progressive choice, but look at the risk we take by abandoning our winning formula. If you don't think Theresa's progressive enough, how would you feel about Premier McFayden?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
