Martin's lengthy campaign

The Canadian Press ^ | Dec 29, 2005 | ALEXANDER PANETTA

[Sam Gamgee]

Liberals believe a longer campaign offers at least two strategic advantages.

They think it allows additional time for more militant right-wing Conservatives to torpedo their own campaign with inflammatory remarks on subjects such as gay rights and abortion.

Liberals also believe their boss is a better campaigner than Harper. Martin energetically criss-crossed the country in the final days of the 2004 campaign, while Harper retreated home to Calgary and essentially stopped talking to the media.

For Liberals, issue No. 1 in this campaign will be the strong economy. They believe low unemployment, low interest rates, and sound federal balance sheets are a counter-argument to the suggestion it's time to change the government.

[Sam Gamgee]

I must live in the wrong part of country, because I don't see Canada as this economic wonder of the G8 the Liberals are telling me it is. The economy in BC is hot for one reason - a booming housing market. When that folds, the party is over.

We also have a Loonie that has gained so much strength it is gutting our export industry (except oil of course).

I just love governments that take credit for low interest rates. Long term rates are set by the marketplace.