LIBERAL CANDIDATE SABBAGH DRAWS INTEREST OF TORIES WHO MAY NOT VOTE FOR POILIEVRE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — Could another political upset be in the possible making?
In 2015 when Justin Trudeau paid his first campaign visit to Muskoka, it seemed there were as many Tories and New Democrats out to see and hear about the second coming of a Trudeau as there were Liberals.
Last night it was again much the same story — and again in Bracebridge.
It was just one of the day’s stops for Geordie Sabbagh, the Parry Sound-Muskoka Liberal candidate, who held another meet and greet in the afternoon in Gravenhurst at the Oar Restaurant.
Monday evening’s open house at the El Pueblito restaurant on Manitoba Street drew 30-40 electioneering spectators.
A crowd dominated by Liberals called in — and a number of high profile Conservatives kicking the tires of the political newcomer.
They were keen to learn more as even they indicated that Pierre Poilievre isn’t their choice.
Sabbagh won the crowd over with his “easy going” manner, said someone who was there.
Adding he “had everything covered without promising anything.”
He spoke about living and working in Europe and also obviously talked about tariffs, the economy and his party’s leader Mark Carney.
He also appeared concerned about crime and punishment.
Responding to one woman’s loss of her daughter, by saying he and Liberals couldn’t promise anything, but would try to address the issue.
Liberals like Dan Brooks and Tories Jean Polak and Don Smith were among the mixed group on hand.
Sabbagh said he has been mentored in this race by Green Party provincial candidate Matt Richter, who he said has given him some good campaign advice.
Sabbagh was also at an all-candidates meeting at the Huntsville legion last week, which included Tory Scott Aitchison, Heather Hay of the NDP (*update) and Isabel Pereira, who represents the People’s Party of Canada.
Aitchison, who won the seat last time, hasn’t been seen much on the campaign trail — not unlike his general absence throughout the riding since he was elected.
Save for appearances marching in Santa Claus parades alongside Graydon Smith — MPP officially as of today.
Leaving many voters to speculate as to whether he is taking this election too lightly.
“Maybe he thinks he has it too easy” in Parry Sound-Muskoka, said a person there.
Sabbagh was at an all-candidates meeting in Parry Sound tonight at Bobby Orr Community Centre — where he said he didn’t expect to see Aitchison.
None of the other candidates are going public far — preferring it seems to rely on door to door voter engagements thus avoiding opportunities for mis-steps that could threaten their position on election day April 28.
Note: Unlike the Ontario election, voter cards have arrived in most mail boxes providing voting information and locations of polling stations including the advanced voting this weekend.
* Clarification: Heather Hay is the NDP candidate, who ran last time. She’s the daughter of Sarah Hay who has never run.
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