Layton’s death will both hurt and inspire provincial NDP campaign
Posted August 25, 2011 1:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ontario’s New Democrats have been dealt a blow with the loss of federal leader Jack Layton, but their fortunes in the upcoming campaign may be more closely tied to another less popular leader.
Layton’s death this week has been personally trying for Ontario Leader Andrea Horwath, who has described him as a mentor and a friend.
But it also means she won’t be able to go to him for advice during her first campaign as provincial leader, or see him at events, helping to boost morale and funds.
York University politics professor Robert Drummond says that while Layton’s absence will hurt the party, it’s unclear how much he would have been able to participate in the fall campaign anyway because of his declining health.
A bigger challenge for the NDP, he adds, may be trying to distance itself from former Premier Bob Rae’s unpopular government in the early 90s.
Horwath has dismissed Rae’s possible impact on a the campaign, noting that he is now a Liberal, and says Layton’s legacy will inspire her party to make great strides at the Oct. 6 vote.
