Lining up the election

This looks like it’s going to be a good one.

You have three guys who appear intent on badmouthing each other and a new woman in town fixin’ to make her mark.

Things got underway Sunday morning, as soon as Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean dissolved parliament at the government’s request.

Hockey dad, sweater wearing, cat-loving Prime Minister Stephen Harper has come out of the closet as a decent guy, no longer what some pundits have termed “Mr. Mean.” Meanwhile, Liberal leader Stephane Dion, hitherto termed “Mr. Bean” by the wags, has come out claiming the Tories have brought poverty to a whole new level in the country. He discovered the economy Sunday morning. I suppose he hopes we forget about the Green Shift’s former shortcomings – like its would-be effects on rural Canada and those of us who live in more than 90 per cent of the country.

NDP leader Jack Layton roared out of his corner, headed to Harper’s constituency – where I didn’t think there were any NDP folk (at least living) – and peed on the carpet. He emphasized family concerns, employment and the environment. Layton also pointed out he wants Harper’s job; he doesn’t want to be just a protest leader anymore. The odd thing is he is second – albeit distantly – to Harper in the leadership polls.

Or maybe that isn’t so strange.

A fourth guy, Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe, appears to be yesterday’s man, the Tories having stolen his thunder in recent years by giving Quebec most of what it wants (as long as it doesn’t cost too much). It’s odd no one else – except former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin for a time – really thought and acted on that before.

The Bloc’s bones are being eyed jealously by the Tories and the NDP, the Tories wanting to get hold of the old ultra conservative elements of the Bloc – those Creditistes still alive, and Union Nationale; the NDP maneuvering with an eye to the left-wing elements of the Bloc. There seems to be something for everyone in that carcass.

Yes, it looks like they are desperate and willing to do anything for attention – which always leads to an interesting election campaign.

Locally, in Kings-Hants we’re not sure. The Tories haven’t named a candidate yet, the NDP has had Carol Harris as standard-bearer for some time and the Greens have had Janet Eaton for at least as long. Incumbent Liberal MP Scott Brison has solid conservative roots, so that will make for interesting debates.

In West Nova, Liberal incumbent Robert Thibeault could face challenges, though his competition hasn’t jelled yet beyond Greg Kerr in his second try for the federal Tories.

Add to this the fact we’re in the midst of municipal and school board elections

Just wait until spring, when there could well be a provincial vote.

It keeps getting better.