Cook’s Endorsement Of Harrison A “Blow”: Jackson
Wednesday, January 04, 2006 at 15:30
A member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band running in the federal election admits being disappointed her former chief has announced his support for one of her rivals.
NDP candidate Anita Jackson is hoping to unseat incumbent MP Jeremy Harrison in the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding in northern Saskatchewan.
But her campaign took a hit yesterday when former Lac La Ronge Indian Band chief Harry Cook endorsed Harrison.
Cook has publicly supported right-wing candidates before — most notably former Saskatchewan Party leader Elwin Hermanson in the last provincial election.
Still, Jackson admits she was expecting Cook would support her or former PAGC chief Gary Merasty of the Liberals.
Jackson also says Cook’s announcement has clouded the campaign as far as the riding’s Aboriginal vote is concerned, adding Native voters will be confused by this development.
Either way, Jackson says this week’s announcement from Cook is a “negative blow” for both herself and Merasty.