ontarionews

Politics: Expert says NDP leader and, to a lesser extent, PC leader face challenges as rookies

Debate is Horwaths chance to shine

Patrick Maloney QMI Agency LONDON, Ont. Andrea Hor wath has a problem. Tuesdays debate may provide the solution. It has become clear over the past three weeks on the campaign trail that the Ontario NDP head, like most rookie leaders, is unknown to many voters, leaving her fighting to raise her profile. But once voters get to know her as a recent poll suggests they like her. A lot. As a result, Horwath, 48, has the most to gain heading into Tuesday nights televised leaders debate, said Peter Woolstencroft, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Waterloo. I t s h e r b i g m o m e n t , he added. This is Andrea Horwaths chance to shine. Tory Leader Tim Hudak also in his first campaign as leader faces the same hurdle, but to a lesser degree. Hudak said hes eager for his first televised debate as leader, pledging to stand apart from his two rivals. Im looking forward to it, Hudak said. On that stage on Tuesday night youll see one leader who stands for giving Ontario families immediate relief. Hudak was out shaking hands Monday morning representing something of a shift for a Tory campaign thats largely featured scripted events. But if a recent poll is to be trusted, voters find Horwath more likeable than Hudak and, for that matter, Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty. The poll found voters considered Horwath the leader theyd most like to have over for a barbecue. Will that kind of one-onone appeal translate in the TV debate? Horwath is hoping so. I was hoping for more debates. The more debates, the better, she said. I look forward to talking to the people of Ontario about our plan to put them first. The legacy of late federal NDP leader Jack Layton could spark a surge for the Ontarios crop of New Democrats. Her performance in last weeks northern Ontario debate with Hudak drew mixed reviews. For Woolstencroft, shes the one to watch Tuesday night. I think this is big for Andrea Horwath, he said. People say she meets very well, shes very patrick.maloney@sunmedia.ca

tiM PeckhaM QMI Agency photo illustration as Progressive conservative leader tim hudak, from left, liberal leader Dalton McGuinty and nDP leader andrea horwath prepare to square off in tuesdays leaders debate, one expert is saying that, as a relatively unknown rookie leader who scores highly in likeability polls, horwath has the most to gain with a good showing.

engaging. (But) shes a little flimflamy on policy details if you start asking questions, theres a lot of ums and ahs. So what comes through on TV? I dont know. It will be very interesting. McGuinty, echoing the tone of his campaign, expects to focus on his experience as premier and the need for a steady hand to guide Ontarios still-fragile economy.

Tale of the tape

PARTY OF ONTARIO

Tim Hudak

PARTY OF ONTARIO

HuDAk
AGE: 43 RIDING: Niagara West-Glanbrook MARITAL STATUS: Married to Debbie Hutton, daughter Miller soon to turn four SIGNATURE FIGHTING STYLE: eHealth uppercut followed by sneaky eco-fee jab FAVOURITE SPORT: Playing basketball and watching football FAVOURITE MOVIE: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly FIRST JOB: Lifeguard FOOD HE WONT EAT: Raw tomatoes PET: Tavish, the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever ISSUES HE WANTS TO BE KNOWN FOR: Lower taxes, lower spending

Tim

McGuinTy HORWATH
PARTY OF ONTARIO

Dalton

Andrea

AGE: 56 RIDING: Ottawa South MARITAL STATUS : Married to Terri McGuinty, four kids SIGNATURE FIGHTING STYLE: Intimidates with Premier Dad attitude; goes to the body with health care and education one-two punch FAVOURITE SPORT: Hockey FAVOURITE MOVIE: Field of Dreams FIRST JOB: Butchers assistant in local grocery store (also camp counsellor at his parents family-run camp) FOOD HE WONT EAT: Ill eat anything. PET: Rescued dog named Mikki ISSUE HE WANTS TO BE KNOWN FOR: Education

AGE: 48 RIDING: Hamilton Centre MARITAL STATUS: Single, one son, 18 SIGNATURE FIGHTING STYLE: Taking the high road has criticized her rivals for mud-slinging on the campaign trail. FAVOURITE SPORT: Swimming. Likes to watch tennis MOVIE: Cant think of a favourite FIRST JOB: Banquet server and short order cook at a golf course 15-16 years old. FOOD SHE WONT EAT: Liver PET: Dog wheaten-schnauser cross named Waffles ISSUE SHE WANTS TO BE KNOWN FOR: Putting people first.