Newfoundlanders go to the polls October 9 to pass judgment on the premiership of Danny Williams. By all accounts, this will be as close a coronation as you are likely to see. King Danny and the Progressive Conservatives of Newfoundland and Labrador may, in fact, sweep every single seat in the provincial legislature, a feat not accomplished since Frank McKenna did it in New Brunswick in 1987.
But those with a some knowledge of island politics say there may be one Liberal standing after the Danny-tsunami sweeps across the Rock and his name is Elvis Loveless (left). That's right — Elvis Loveless, the first-time Liberal candidate in Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune.
Elvis has been around politics for a while, working, for example, in former Premier Brian Tobin's office at one point and has, I am told, the potential to endear himself to voters. In other words, his personal popularity may be enough to overcome Danny's influence.
Now mind you, I'm sitting here in Ottawa and am forced to gossip about Newfoundland politics with expat islanders here who may or may not know what they're talking about. So if you're on the Island and you've got thoughts on Elvis or any other Liberal that might withstand the Danny-tsunami, please let me know!
Update: A friend from the Rock writes:
While Danny's numbers are high and there is not much chance of him loosing, the love is not universal. Rural Nfld is hurting and they are traditionally Liberal voters.
It won't be a clean sweep. But it is Danny's to screw up as much as he would love to squelch all opposition be it political, public or media.
It will be a major blow if he looses even a single seat.
Nope. The big new will be…
1/ If he looses a seat.
2/ The voter turn out
This election is a major yawn here. Nobody gives a shit and there are no serious issues being discussed. That, with the fore gone conclusion of the outcome and people being REALLY pissed off about the spending scandal means that the voter turn out will be the telling story of politics in Nfld.
A very low turn out will be the public telling Danny and the MHA's to F— off.