Rossi Fights Back After Smitherman Release Outlines List Of Defectors

Mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi doesn’t believe the battle for the big chair at City Hall is being fought solely between George Smitherman and Rob Ford.  With less than two weeks to go until Election Day, he has boldly maintained that despite mounting pressure to bow out of the race and put his support behind Smitherman, he’s in it for the long haul.  

The long haul looked to be getting even longer and lonelier for Rossi, after a press release from Smitherman’s campaign Tuesday highlighted that six key members of Rossi’s team had defected to join Smitherman’s camp.

They include. 

• Sachin Aggarwal, former Campaign Manager
• Gary Anandasangaree, former Campaign Co-Chair
• Alexis Levine, former Chair of the Organization Committee
• Jon Kastikainen, former Director of Operations
• Wes Davis, former Director of Tour & Scheduling
• Darryl Tempest, former Director of Organization.

But Rossi made it clear later Tuesday that the release was more than a bit misleading, especially for those who don’t follow the inner-workings of campaigns closely.

While Smitherman’s release may have led to the perception that a mass exodus was taking place, Rossi’s team was quick to point out the limited role most of his former allies played in his campaign. 

“All but one of these individuals has not been part of this campaign since Bernie Morton took over as campaign manager in late August. None of them have had any recent formal role in the campaign with the exception of Mr. Davis who was fired last Saturday for refusing to put up lawn signs during a major sign blitz and instead choosing to play golf out-of-town. The hundreds of volunteers and staff who are currently working with Rocco are hard-working and dedicated individuals.”

“While Mr. Smitherman and his team may be accustomed to backroom dealings, Rocco comes from a business and not-for-profit world where honesty and integrity are paramount to everything that you do.

“Every single one of these individuals was either hired by or associated with Mr. Aggarwal, who has not been involved with the campaign in any way, shape, or form since campaign manager Bernie Morton took over, and, unsurprisingly, followed him after being fired or quitting the campaign.”

Smitherman’s release included a quote from Sachin Aggarwal, insinuating that supporting Smitherman may be the only way to prevent Rob Ford from taking the reigns at City Hall.

“We have two weeks to stop four years of chaos in Toronto. I have great respect and admiration for Rocco, but we need to put our emotions and friendships aside, and unite behind a common banner to save our city,” said Aggarwal, Rossi’s former Campaign Manager.

Smitherman’s campaign manager, Bruce Davis, further hinted that voting Smitherman is the only option for those who don’t support Ford.

“We welcome this addition to our growing team – I know this has been a difficult decision. Over the next two weeks, voters will have to decide what kind of Toronto they want, who can best represent their values and who can get Toronto working again. It is clear from this move that George is the only candidate who can stop Rob Ford.”