When fools rush in
So Clive Doucet has decided to take on Larry O’Brien for the Mayor’s chair. And that’s exactly what it is. I don’t believe the severance idea that many have speculated is the cause behind this run. Doucet is not in this for the severance he will get if he loses. I think that might apply more to Alex Cullen who maybe using his Mayor’s run to position himself to take on Yasir Naqvi in Ottawa Centre next provincial election.
But I digress. Doucet hates Mayor O’Brien and I believe that is what is driving this erratic decision. I believe that Doucet’s decision is motivated by being the anti-O’Brien candidate.
And this is a problem for Jim Watson, the current leading candidate for the Mayor of Ottawa. If Doucet can position himself as the vote for the anti-O’Brien supporters, it will cost Watson. Just like the ward races, one has to wonder if too many people enter to challenge an incumbent, does splitting the vote help the cause or support the incumbent. We know the answer.
This has been Doucet’s problem for many of the causes he champions. His emotions get the better of him and his execution is lacking. Instead of teaming up with Watson, he has chosen to challenge him for the same votes that Watson needs to win. No one voting for Doucet would have voted for O’Brien anyway.
Doucet is helping the O’Brien team…not sure that’s the plan.
Doucet is everything I hate in politicians – arrogant, self serving…Ottawa would be a sad place if her ever came close to being Mayor. Jim Watson is the man!
I agree with your thoughts entirely Blake . Clive’s run is almost like a revenge run but Thanks Clive it will only help the mayor. See you Clive on the campaign trail should be exciting & FUN
First, perhaps Mr. Batson can explain how Cullen’s run can affect Naqvi in the future. Please explain for the laymen.
Secondly, despite the polls showing _decided_ voters’ penchant for Watson, most of us have not drunk the JW Kool-Aid just yet. The fact that so many moonies are blinding supporting the man is disturbing.
Finally, if Doucet is the anti-Lansdowne-waste-of-money candidate, and considering the low voter turnout last time (30%!!), it is safe to say that few know who C.Doucet is, or his reputation for being “self serving” and whatever else the 5% of people who know of him think of him. If Mayor O’Brien has drawn the ire of “regular non-voting folk” who actually show up next October to voice their displeasure, Doucet could draw more votes than anticipated. I don’t think he would win, but stranger things have happened (see previous mayoral race!)
Overall, I would not count any chickens until they’ve hatched: I’m not counting out Clive just yet.
Samuel “Jim Watson is the man” if he stays more than a year or two. He seems to quit everything he starts MAYOR MPP Tourism & TV before his time is up not a sure BET Samuel.
Genevieve, I don’t think I commented on the affect of a Cullen run in Ottawa Centre next October would have on Naqvi. Naqvi has done a remarkable job in Ottawa Centre since becoming MPP. He will be hard to beat.
What I said was that some folk think that Cullen is running to help increase his face-to-face time with Ottawa Centre voters to position himself to make a challenge for the seat next October. And picking up a severance cheque in the process is nice gravy.
I perhaps think you have a very strong opinion of Mr Doucet’s character
of course if he can get financing for his election campaingn and has revenge against O’Brien, and get $32,000 severance is an added bonus. and a good way for a retiring councillor. Pass it on to Randal Danley along with your honorable thinking that business will pass on the so called savings from HST, as people seem to say these days “Smell the coffer Blake”
Any rumours if Maria McRae will update her photo website
PS I truely like the way your Blog website has taken off, congratulations.
Robin – Jim has been an MPP for atleast 7 years, Councillor for about 6 and in public service for a total of 15 years – isn’t that good enough compared to the others…
I too have not drunk the JW Kool-Aid just yet. I think I might vote for Clive – I like a politician with passionate views and his anti-Lansdowne stance was/is exactly that.
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