Candidate Apathy

A burning issue that needs to be addressed is not voter apathy, but candidate apathy.

Janyce McGregor is making a list.

Once again in this election, candidates across Canada stand accused of dodging invitations to participate in all-candidates debates, forums and/or media panels.

To try to make sense of it all collectively, I've started a list.

So far, the examples available show mostly Conservatives. But if you know of more examples that should be included here, we'd be happy to receive updates. And I'll keep adding them to this list as I receive them.

Because so many of the reports thus far involved Conservative candidates, I contacted the Conservatives' national campaign office. Here's what spokesman Ryan Sparrow wrote about the direction given to local candidates when it comes to all-candidates' forums:

We provide support for candidates to participate in candidates debates, but we don't instruct them not to attend debates. Most candidates would prefer to meet with voters one on one though instead of debating their opponents in crowds of committed supporters of the different parties.

Eeee! 'Crowds of committed supporters of different parties'! Jeez, that's almost as scary as a bunch university students running around. John Baird nearly wet his pants while squeaking out:

"I'm not sure what a flash mob is but it sounds a bit disconcerting … I don't know about 'flash' or 'mobs' but I don't like the context of either word."

The list, which she is keeping updated, shows at the moment: 36 Contempt Party Members, 4 Bloc, and 1 each NDP and Lib, too important/busy/scared to show up and face their actual or potential constituents.

Many of DJ!'s faves are on the list, but the funniest excuse was offered by Cheryl Gallant who 'stormed' out of a live radio broadcast because 'she wouldn't participate in a debate in which one candidate is prevented from taking part'. The Greenie was left out. Who knew Cheryl was such a fan of democracy?

Another perennial no-show is Conservative Candidate Protection Program's Julian Fantino, who also failed to show up at CARP's special debate on seniors' issues. Well, why the heck would he? He's far too busy as Minister of State for, um, oh, really?, well that's embarrassing, Seniors.

Noted Commie-hunter, Wally Daudrich did not attend a forum hosted by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

And Chief Fetus Fetishist Rob Bruinooge declined some events.

Given that some of them are the biggest idiots among Contempt Party candidates -- I know, that's saying something -- what could possibly worry their handlers about live, unscripted, un-vetted, free-wheeling debate?

Oh. Right.

What a terrible waste of comedy WIN!

Je suis désolée.


Check back with McGregor's list. It's been updated twice since I snared the link this morning.