Draft Theresa Oswald!

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

2009-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

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!

An open letter to the Hon. Theresa Oswald

2009-09-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-01T11:37:00.001-07:00

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!

Ashton?

2009-08-28T13:08:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-08-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

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!

Why Theresa?

2009-08-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

The last post...for now

2009-02-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

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...

Now we know who the Tories are scared of!

2009-01-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Province seeking input into the health needs of women

2009-01-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

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!

Comments on the Mary Agnes story

2009-01-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

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.

We read this story and have a few observations.

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?

We Hate To Say We Told You So…. But We Told You So

2008-12-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Again, we will not pass judgment on this. Our concern is, what would this issue do to an NDP with Bill Blaikie at the helm? This is, simply put, an issue that could fester and hurt the cause.

Blaikie's double-dipping
With his retirement from federal politics, former NDP PM Bill Blaikie is being paid a huge annual pension. If Blaikie lives to be 75 years old, it is estimated he will have collected over $3.38 million from this political pension. But I guess that just isn't sufficient for old Bill. Nope, can't make ends meet on that paltry pension, so Bill has felt it necessary to move in and wrestle away the Elmwood NDP nomination from a couple of younger NDP staffers. Bravo, Bill, that's showing that good old NDP one-for-all, all-for-one, socialist spirit.
CAL PAUL Winnipeg

We can smell the attacks already...

2008-12-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

This does not bode well for any of us...

Commons veteran Bill Blaikie may pick up extra MLA income

Is this wrong? Thats not for us to say. But what we do know is that having the highest paid politician in the province as leader will not sit well with our winning formula.

Watch for these attacks:

- The NDP is out of touch
- How can a man making $250,000 relate to my struggles?
- Blaikie has forgotten his roots

Bill has worked hard for his pension, but what will the average Manitoban think? We think it would be a good idea for him to not collect a pension while hes MLA for Elmwood. I bet the Premier would agree. And who in their right mind believes any other politician in Manitoba should be making a hundred grand more than him?

Well the Rumour Mill Has It….

2008-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Was out at a Christmas party last night and the rumour mill has it that the two candidates running against Blakie have bowed out of the nomination race in Elmwood, paving the way for Bill to win by acclimation. Looks like tomorrows coronation meeting will not be that interesting. Congratulations to Bill, but we pledge that when you run for leader there will be no coronation.

If They Could See Her Now!

2008-12-12T05:36:00.001-08:00

Recent coverage

2008-12-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Draft Oswald blog has gotten some great media coverage this past week. Last weekends Winnipeg Free Press print edition referenced us!

Today's Winnipeg Sun had an interesting article about the next leadership race as well.

Looking at the race shaping up, what a field we will have to pick from! Bill Blakie's nomination in Elmwood is this Sunday, and we wish him well. The NDP will be lucky to have him join Caucus and he will serve us all well as a Minister. Bill has been a great NDP'er and a great Canadian. However, when it comes to staying in power, a left turn will not work. Theresa Oswald is the Leader for all Manitoban's! She is a proven leader, a 3rd way thinker and has what it takes to win!

until next time spread the word, join the NDP and make sure you get out to support Bill on Sunday!

P.s. A note to some of the readers on this blog... Please keep your comments constructive. We're all on the same team here and we don't need to tear down others to build up our own cause!

Welcome to DRAFT OSWALD!

2008-12-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Draft Theresa Oswald blog!

We must be clear: Gary Doer is doing a very good job as Premier, but he won't be leading us forever. It's not too soon to start exploring where we go next.

It looks like candidates might start organizing for a leadership sooner rather than later. We encourage Theresa Oswald to explore her options before she gets left behind in an underground leadership race.

Theresa Oswald, a young mother, is the only potential leader who would keep Manitoba going on the moderate path Gary Doer started us on. Bright and articulate, we feel it's time for a woman Premier in Manitoba.

Please start the discussion below. We encourage you, Theresa Oswald, whenever Gary Doer might decide to resign, to jump into the Premier's chair! Let's keep Manitoba going in the direction that's been so successful for us before.

Draft Oswald!