The Toronto Star: Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has long been known for martial discipline, but his campaign may have crossed the line when someone frog-marched a young woman out of a rally in London, Ont., Sunday.
The first-time voter’s crime, apparently, was to have posed for a picture with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and posted it for all to see on her Facebook page.
About half an hour before Harper arrived at the crowded hotel rally, one organizer asked to speak with Awish Aslam and a friend outside the room. There, he ripped up their nametags and ordered them to leave.
“We know you guys have ties to the Liberal party through Facebook,” the University of Western Ontario student recalled being told. “You are no longer welcome here.”
The Tories say the incident was a mistake, though Harper himself offered no apology when asked about it Tuesday.
Last Thursday an advocate for homeless veterans was turned away when he attempted to attend a campaign event where Harper was speaking in Halifax. This, after several unsuccessful attempts by Jim Lowther to contact the Tory leader about the plight of once-proud Canadian soldiers now living on the streets.
Lowther later joined both Ignatieff and NDP Leader Jack Layton on campaign podiums as they announced their promises to provide better benefits to vets.
The incidents highlight the different campaign styles, particularly of the Tory and Grit leaders. Harper’s morning announcements are held at secure locations with adoring local partisans. To attend his evening rallies, people must pre-register with the local candidate’s campaign headquarters.
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