Conservative Leader Stephen Harper answers questions from reporters from Bolton, Ontario Friday morning.

Harper concedes Tories on a roll in election

Updated Fri. Jan. 6 2006 8:38 PM ET

Canadian Press

LONDON, Ont. -- For the first time since polls have shown a surge in support for his Conservatives, Stephen Harper was willing to concede Friday night that he's on a roll heading into the Jan. 23 vote.

His usual timid, low-key assessment of his party's chances slipped to the side as he addressed over 2,000 supporters at what was -- by far -- one of the bigger, louder rallies the Conservatives have held to date.

(Canadian Press estimated 2,000 in attendance based on numbers provided by campaign organizers. CTV's David Akin estimated a crowd of about 1,200.)

Even with energy from the crowd and clapping of inflatable thunder sticks, Harper seemed reluctant to make the leap.

"Friends, I think we can feel a bit of momentum here,'' he said, grinning from ear-to-ear as the crowd gave him over a minute of wild, sustained applause.

"OK, I admit it.''

Predictions about the outcome of the vote have been strictly taboo with the Conservative leader and his advisors, as they fear a repeat of the 2004 election, when Harper started musing about forming a majority government as the Tories surged ahead in the polls about midway through the early-summer campaign.

His hopes were dashed as voters returned the Liberals to power, albeit in a precarious minority position.

It has only been in the last few days as a handful of public opinion surveys have put the Conservatives in front that Harper has been willing to even publicly broach the subject of forming a minority government of his own.

Even with his reluctant assertion, he cautioned supporters Friday not to become overconfident.

"We have a long way to go,'' he said. "Don't trust the polls. Don't start counting seats.''

In a somewhat unusual turn, Harper made a clear, direct play for voters in southwestern Ontario, who usually turn to the New Democrats.

He emphasized that party's commitment to restoring ethics and integrity in government, telling his believers to talk to their NDP neighbours.

"They want a government that helps people who work hard and struggle to make ends meet, not a government for insiders, but a government that's on their side,'' said Harper. "Tell them that's what I'm going to do.''

It is the second time in two days the Conservative leader has reached out to the NDP.

On Thursday, in Toronto, he said he would hope to work with the NDP, if he's elected to lead a minority government. The overture was quickly slapped down by New Democrat Leader Jack Layton, who said the two parties have nothing in common.

The NDP and Conservatives fought tight contests in London, Ont., and surrounding area during the last campaign.

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