Northern Candidates Spar Over Debate Availability

Northern Candidates Spar Over Debate Availability

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 13:36

 

 

Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River Liberal candidate David Orchard couldn’t resist taking a couple of jabs at his Conservative rival yesterday.

 

As he opened his Meadow Lake campaign office, Orchard said incumbent MP Rob Clarke had refused to enter three all-candidates’ forums in the riding.

 

But Clarke says he plans to attend two of those forums — in La Ronge and Spritwood.

 

He says he can’t attend the Meadow Lake one due to prior commitments.

 

However, Clarke adds these types of debates are usually one-sided, with most onlookers having already made up their mind on how they’re going to vote.

 

Clarke says he’s more effective when he meets constituents personally.

 

Even though Clarke won a by-election in the riding this past spring, Orchard thinks he has a chance in this election.

 

But if he gets in, Orchard says he’s not going to be a “trained seal”.