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PM and Ignatieff set meeting as election threat looms
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Yahoo! BuzzCTV.ca News Staff
Date: Mon. Jun. 15 2009 9:36 PM ET
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will discuss economic reform measures with his Liberal rival in an attempt to defuse a brewing political showdown which threatens to spark a summer election.
Harper invited Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff to his office for a Tuesday meeting, and Ignatieff agreed.
"I am always willing to meet with someone," Harper said in Ottawa on Monday, responding to opposition demands the government alter Employment Insurance and the stimulus program by the end of the week in order to avoid an election.
Still, Harper said the opposition's proposal to lower EI eligibility to 360 hours - a figure equal to only 45 workdays - is "irresponsible."
Instead, Harper said he is open to extending EI benefits to self-employed workers not currently covered under EI. But Harper stressed that reforming EI is a complicated issue that "cannot be done on the back of an envelope in a few days."
While Harper agreed to meet with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, he urged the opposition to support the government's summer fiscal update on Friday in order to speed spending aimed at creating summer jobs.
"You can't say you're concerned about spending not happening, and then vote against giving the government the authority to spend money," Harper said, responding to opposition accusations that the government has been slow to roll out the funds.
The opposition has threatened to topple the government over four issues: EI reform, stimulus spending, the growing deficit and the medical isotope shortage.
But Ignatieff appeared to take a step back on Monday afternoon.
Ignatieff also said he would go along with extending the current session of Parliament -- which is scheduled to end for summer break this Friday -- to deal with his quartet of demands.
"I'm not sticking to a Friday deadline, but I think we are coming to a crunch here," Ignatieff told CTV's Power Play, adding he's open to meeting with Harper.
"I'm willing to work with him if he's willing to work with me."
Still, Ignatieff said he still hasn't been given a straight answer about how much infrastructure spending has actually been pumped into the economy.
"That's a simple question, to which all I need is a simple answer."
Ignatieff spent the weekend poring over the economic report card that was presented by Harper last week, and speaking to his advisers. It was the second economic update provided by the Conservatives since they introduced the budget in January.
Harper is dragging his feet, says NDP
NDP Leader Jack Layton accused the Conservatives Monday of intentionally dragging their feet on stimulus spending in order to keep the money in Ottawa's coffers.
"The fact is, Stephen Harper doesn't really believe in all this stimulus stuff," Layton told reporters, adding that Harper only implemented the spending because of opposition pressure.
Layton said that municipalities across the country "are starving" and the Tories have only pledged "crumbs" to help create summer construction jobs.
"It doesn't look as though he intends to follow through ... That's our problem with the budget."
The New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois already vowed they will vote against spending estimates that will come before Parliament as a confidence motion on Friday. After Ignatieff made his announcement on Monday, representatives of both parties indicated they hadn't changed their position.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he disagreed with the original budget and last week's update, and called Ignatieff's position "lukewarm."
NDP deputy leader Thomas Mulcair also said he would be voting against the spending estimates.
If both the Bloc and NDP reject the spending estimates on Friday, it will be up to the Liberals to support it, or accept that the government will fall and an election will be triggered.
Ahead of Ignatieff's announcement, Transport Minister John Baird warned the Conservatives would not be bullied into making changes to EI, suggesting a Liberal ultimatum on the issue would likely result in an election.
Ignatieff's announcement stopped well short of doing that, said Tom Clark, host of Power Play.
"I think Michael Ignatieff took a big stick and drew a line in the sand. And then he took that stick and erased parts of the line big enough that you could drive a prime-ministerial limousine through. Look, there's not going to be an election over this."
Comments are now closed for this story
MarkC
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Dave in Cobourg
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If Harper had spent his time and our money on the real issues confronting us, and not his slimy slander campaign, maybe we would be in a better state today. His cabinet seem to spend most of thier time stabbing each other in the back or tripping over themselves for glory, and blaming the Liberals for all the faults in the world, when we know that his 2 terms in office, however brief, have cost us jobs, production cuts and now perhaps a costly election.
" Throw the bums out " attitude doesn't work. Let them hang themselves I say. Give them 2 more months and then bring them down.
Anyone remember that other famous P.M named Brian? What was it? 2 seats he managed to get?
Remember that the first 3 letters of Conservative are?
YUP!!
Jim Lad
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Denny in SK
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Jon in London ON
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It's okay though, you can admit you really love the job Harper is doing.
Mike MacNeil - Avondale, Nova Scotia
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The stimulus package is NOT working. Bits and pieces of it pop up here and there, but as a major program it suffers from ignominious failure and too much Tory spin.
Mr. Ignatieff has a difficult choice, but overall he would be wise to put the country out of its present misery, and consign the Conservatives to the Opposition benches.
Davey
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art archer
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No they will wait until the economy is starting to improve, that way they can take the credit for it.
C. WEBB
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E in Ottawa
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It's sad that Canadians like you do not know how our parliamentary system works. The three month break is for the House of Commons, NOT for the government as a whole. MPs (at least the majority) still work during the summer in their home ridings and the executive branch works 24/7.
Reener
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Willie Everlearn
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Parliament takes a holiday, not the government. Ministers, their aides, etc. stay here in Ottawa and keep at it regardless of the status of the House of Commons.
THE Fatman
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DCR-Toronto
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Durham Resident
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I don't know what "good job" you're talking about. I haven't seen my life improve since he took power in 2006. Canadians gripe about having a summer election, but haven't you noticed that Canadians gripe about an election at ANY time of the year? Canadians may complain at first, but they'll get over it as they always do.
And there are countless issues that an election can be fought over (EI, stimulus spending that is NOT TRACKED, poor fiscal policy, ministers making a fool of themselves and at the same time insulting cancer patients...need I say more?)
In my opinion, have an election during the summer. Why do they deserve a summer break? The rest of us (except for teachers) have to put in a hard day's worth of work.
bellainottawa
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Call ELECTION NOW!
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Call election and I will donate my money to Liberal party for first time in my life.
Go Go Liberal Go Go!
Derek
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you asked over what reason so I will give you a few 1)He said Canada would not see a recesion during the last election(humm maybe he called the election when he did because he new it was coming and was his fault).2)despite the situation of finaces he cut the gst putting canada about 12 billion further into debt every year.3) he gave a 50 billion dollar tax cut to one of the worlds richest oil companys(humm isn't that the amount of money Canada is going to go further into debt this year)4)Harper is now taking credit for the stimules packing he tried not to do and was forced to do by the opposition.5)The cons have done nothing but lie about our financial problems.6) the burned through billions of dollars the Liberals had saved up though years of hard work.(and to all the cons about to say they stole from ei, ect ect they took over from Harper senior oh sorry Mulruny in a situatoin were that con government had left canada in just as bad a situatoin and the next government to take over will once again have to make hard choices to prop canada back up.) I could give you a bunch more reasons to call an election now but i gotta go to work remember everyone keep an open mind we are the people who choose what we want our country to be so we should all stand united and let all the parties know we want them to all do better.
Maurice Nunas
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For all the tripping on their feet and stepping on other appendages, the PCs have had little choice but to try to spend out of the recession, although I don't agree with this approach. They were bullied into heavier spending at first by threat of a non-confidence vote by the combined opposition. Then, having bought into this economic approach, had little choice but to follow the US down the abyss to 'save' the big, domestic automobile makers.
The average Canadian does not want another election and is generally disappointed in government performance in general, as evidenced by the poor voter turnout. Thus the Liberals would probably be punished for forcing an election, and another PC government would be voted in.
Russ, Halifax
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terri
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If it is only conservative supporters that don't want an election then why didn't they vote in the poll to say they did want one. More liberal spin.People are sick of the bs from our politicians. Let Iggie or (beadle from sesame street as I like to call him) take the chance. He may not like what he gets.
Barrie Jones
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Joe Szentirmay
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Jonathan
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Mr T, Ontario
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Please do not waste any more of our money. Lets have a little bit of political stability for a while.
Thanks
Joe Public
Allen
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Shaking head.
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The liberals went from a majority to a minority to the oppostion within a few short years. How soon we have forgotten and are willing to overlook all they have done. We deserve the parties we have in Canada.
Dr. James Bradford
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This sort of political grandstanding is what causes Canadians to hold politicians in such disdainful regard.
There will be no summer election and we all know it.
Richard from New Minas
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Gmac
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Michael (Ottawa)
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Bring it on Ignatieff! Put up or SHUT UP!
keir bernard
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geo
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He may delay the election,but the media hasn't asked him the $50 Billion dollar question.
If you don't like Harper's economic plan,what's your solution? What's your plan?
I think everyone knows Ignatieff's plan for the economy is no different than Harper's.But Ignatieff better watch himself,as the economy starts to get better,his opportunity will turn into just being another Dion with nowhere to go but down.We may have 8% unemployment,but 92% are employed,and most of these want to keep their money in their pockets,and not give it to a Liberal government.
annie, ontario
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I can't see how the liberals could do any better, but they sure will do worse.
Naveed
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He is lying about the economic stimuluses and updates right now. Its all a Con job.
Incidentally Brian from Cobourg, It was Kim Campbell who got 2 seats for the Conservative party. Brian Mulroney fooled Canadians to get a majority Government in 1984.
Back to Iggy and the current situation. The Liberal leader must take the initiative and implement an immediate election. To quote the classics, Iggy's standard call would then become "Veni Vidi Vici". (I came, I saw, I conquered').
Dan
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Spence in Ontario
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I because we are in a democracy it is our right and responsibility to vote. Despite what many people will say taking a bit of time one day this summer to look at what each party advocates and then less than half an hour at the polls to vote is not a waste of their time. It is a way for them to choose who they want as a representative in our government and it isn't something they should blow off because they aren't in the right mood for an election.
Peter Rapsey
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Patrick222 Halifax NS
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Catwoman
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Margaret
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Who on earth would want the job anyway? I bet Harper doesn't even want it.
Elizabeth, Ontario
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Jon in London ON
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Pathetic......I mean....I'm still pissed at Pearson...it's okay......reach deep into yourself and make friends with your inner Conservative. Enjoy your summer fellow Tories!
Ted
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Jane
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Jason in Calgary
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Sean
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The government is a bunch of lawyers. Lawyers can't fix business problems. Business men fix business problems.
Until the government stays out and stops meddling with the economy we're not going to have any recovery.
All the government will do is add additional regulations, additional taxes and more rules. None of which make business cheaper for business men.
What it WILL do is stifle business further and lead to even higher levels of stagnation and unemployment.
All the government can do is create government jobs and print funny money. Bigger government will lead to higher taxes, and a smaller "real" economy.
Emily - Toronto
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Prof. Pye Chartt
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As your dependent-thinking, zombie-like royal subjects who worship your imposed sense of intellectual superiority and political self-importance, we await your learned judgement, your highness (hind-ass).
Grace us with your righteous decision. Guide our lost souls to a new Canadian frontier; one which is morally, ethically, and economically "liberal."
--- The Liberal Crowd
________________________
END NOTE:
Since much of what drives Liberals is media hype and spin, and their own misguided sense of governmental entitlement, as opposed to common sense and critical thinking, it will be interesting to see how the Conservatives' "stimulus package" is spun.
By virtually every objective economic account, the Canadian economy is turning the corner...in absence of most of the stimulus money! (PM Harper is fudging.) Would Ignatieff throw MORE money into the pot?! (Dumb.) Or, will he just blow some weak and cowardly hot air about implementing it all sooner?
We'll see.
William McKinstry, Toronto
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vinny
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al from calgary
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Since you love the liberals so much and hate the conservatives so much I have a few questions I would like answered by the liberals first
1) How much of the 40 million have they paid back to the taxpayers
2) Has Martins ship company paid back the loan the liberals gave them yet.
3) In the past 3 years the conservatives have cut taxes and paid down over 40 billion of the debt, in all the liberal years of budget surpluses exactly how much did the liberals pay down on the debt and where exactly is the left over money from all those surpluses as they did not pay down the debt by that much
4) How is Iggy going to pay for all the promises he is making, will he raise taxes, will he gut the forces, will he cut health care, will he cut transfer payments again etc. etc
Since you love the liberals so much and they are very transparent and accountable I'm sure that you could provide me the answers to these questions in a matter of a few minutes.
Oh and one last thing about Cons all we want is good government, if the liberals would have provided it before Harper would never have been voted in, we don't vote with blinders on like a lot of these posters we look at all things before casting our vote
Scott/Hfx.
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opinion
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What a bunch of CRAP, I am so tired of this Conservative nonsense, ENOUGH!
Bring on the election. Enough already.
André in Ontario
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Ray Jacques, Glen Robertson, ON
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1)We keep haring the Conservative mantra - cut taxes. Harper has finally cut taxes to the level that Paul MArtin would have implimented had Harper not toppled his minority Government 3.5 years ago.
2) Eventually, somebody has to repay our debt. We spent it, we have to pay for it - it will invlove increasing taxes at some point after the recession - that is a fact
3) Some conveniently forget that the Liberals for some years now have become the Party of the Center and strong fiscal managers (Paul Martin etc)
4) Som continue to post that Ad Scam was an official Liberal program to steal money. TWO PROBLEMS with that assertion
a) the oroginal plan (supported by the House including the Conservatives), was to try to "sell" the benefits of Canada to Quebecers after that very close referendum result. It was not a pogram to steal money from Canadians
b) Judge Gomey found no Liberal wrong-doing (And he was a hard-nosed Conservative judge)
4) Many do not agree with the GST cuts as they stopped about $ 35 Billion dollars in revenue to Ottawa (i.e $ 5.0 billion per reduction in GST tax rate x (2) points x 3.5 years = $ 35 B in lost recenue
5) Harper became the single largest spender that Canada has ever seen.
6) Mr. Harper has no vision nor any mew policies at all - only ideology which Reagan tried, Gworge W. Bush tired - all failed idrology /policies.
COCLUSION:
Time for a return to competence and good policy. Time for truthful Goverenance - Time for Haprper to go
BA in The 'Peg
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As for the Liberals, if they think they can win the election, then try and bring down the government. Put up or shut up. It's time Professor #2 had to actually explain to the people of this country why we are in the 4th election in 5 years. And, once we hear how he would have all the corrective measures for a world-wide recession, then we'll get to vote for/against what this guy actually stands for (since we have no clue to this date what he actually does stand for).
No, it's time to give Mr. Harper a majority so that the nonsensical spending, and granting people a year of EI after working 45 days never sees the light of day.
Having said that, I drool at the possibility of a Liberal win, and the true formation of a truly committed Western Separation. Enough is enough in this country. And, with all due respect to Quebec, separation based on language will never happen. But separation based on getting the short end of the stick financially and politically for over 100 years will cause separation.
M M B Ont
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I Know the Liberals or NDP will never get my vote again. They are too Power hungry ! And every party has their little scandals amongst their MPs, not just the Conservatives.
Canada needs stability now, not and election!
Steve
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A Koster - BC
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Harper digs his own grave with every day he is in office.
Steve the Pundit
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In other words, DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT IS DOING!
What, pray tell, can the Liberals offer that's any different? Crazy, unsustainable changes to E.I. (that will pile further onto the deficit)? EVEN MORE stimulus spending (the spending alreaady approved will create inflation in a very short time)? Other new social programs we couldn't afford when times were good?
In the absence of a clearly-articulated alternate plan, LET THE GOVERNMENT DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE, and stop talking about elections whose only purpose is to blow half a billion dollars we don't have.
Larry NL
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Wake up seniors, we cannot afford a liberal government.
Raj
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LF
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I recall an expression from history. No taxation without representation.
Another leader telling Canadians we are too stupid to think, so they do it for us.Those we elected to represent us must sit quietly on the back bench and keep their mouths shut.
James in New Brunswick
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However, I do not think that the Liberals have the resources or the political will to carry out an election at this time. I will bet you dollars to donuts that they are knocking on doors and calling everyone who has ever given a nickle to the Liberals, seeking donations. Without a warchest they can't do a darn thing!
The funny thing is, the opportunity will never be better. Soon (within 6 months) economic indicators will start pointing to an improving economy here and in the US. If that happens before or during an election campaign, the Conservatives are the only ones who will benefit from it.
Adam in Ottawa
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Martin
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Rick in Ottawa
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-Tougher sentences for criminals
-Home Improvement tax credit
-Tax free savings accounts
The average family has 3000.00 more dollars to spend during this recession. It's time we start spreading this message and leave Iggy with his huffing and puffing!
Andrew
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Lets face the facts!! Since
Since october, Harper has stated the following:
1. There will never be a deficit under the conservative government
2. Zero deficit quickly turned into over 30 billion dollars in January
3. Now, the defict will run over 50 billion dollars.
I have no problem with the Canadian Government going into deficit in these tough economic times. We all know that without stimulus spending, or going into deficit it would be very difficult for Canada to recover economically. It seems that the conservative government is having a difficult time communicating with Canadian tax payers the ammount of money being spent. Harper and the conservative government have a problem using the "D" word... deficit.
In addition, when looking at the past, the Liberals were able to clean up the deficit from past Conservative governments and create a record government surpluses.
Any government can spend money on infrastructure, EI and other social services that will have a significant impact on the lives of all Canadians.This election should be about who should manage our economy coming out of this recession an issue that has no been brought up yet!
Sylvain in NB
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David
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Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario)
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Ignatieff is a man who wants power so badly he is willing to roll dice rather than work toward proving himself. For all his faults, our present PM acted within the scope of his promises more often than not. To those with a left leaning view that makes him bad, but what it will not ever make him is wrong; not any more than the small-L liberal view is inherently wrong.
To those who say conservatives fear an election, you are projecting if you think that. Ignatieff is no threat, and the LPC is still crumbling at every turn. If an election is forced, not much will end up changing in the House of Commons. The LPC may think they can make major strides in Quebec, but between the Bloc and NDP that will simply not materialise; and in Ontario, while they may indeed make strides, it's doubtful they can snatch enough seats to unseat the conservatives, because at the end of the day we still have not heard a single variant policy from the LPC. Not once has Igntieff spoken, stood on a point, and made it into a policy statement.
For those who want Ignatieff to be Obama, you must be terribly naive. The two haven't even a shred of similarity, not in how they speak or think. Again, that doesn't necessarily make Ignatieff bad, but give the nonsense a break. The man is nothing more than an arrogant, wealthy schoolteacher; and about as close to being a Republican as we can get in this country.
No one needs an election now. It isn't about want. The fact is we have no new policy from the LPC to judge their intent.
exhausted Canadian
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Ian in the West
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Alan
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Oh puke! Is anyone else sickened by the media's comments "What will Iggy do next?"
Andy Kanata
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Face facts - An election will be called if:
1) Liberal party has enough money in its' coffers to cover the cost of an election.
2) Liberal support is deemed strong enough to form a majority government.
3) Recession is clearly over.
All 3 of these must come back positive or no election will be held. The Liberals do not want to run a minority government as that would put them in the same position as the Conservatives - unable to govern as they wish. The recession is still around so it is not time to jump in and say 'Look - the Liberals have saved the country from ruin'.
Sadly, when a call does come, it is likely the Liberals will return with a majority and then turn on their tax and spend agenda which will push more people out of the middle class and destroy whatever is left of our programs such as Health Care.
It is sad to see so many people supporting a party which just a short time ago robbed us blind, stole the EI fund, mired us in scandel, overtaxed us and gutted many important programs - the main one being Health Care. And even sadder, all of those people called this good fiscal management.
Charlie
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Jim in Ontario
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Edmonton Vic
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Dave in Whitby
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he might be ready . However He just Took over the Liberal Leadership this year
and Stephen Harper is a good speaker in Debates . IGGY has a big decision and he may becoame PM latter. I personally am UNDECIDED on
who to vote for and hope the BLOC loses lots of seat's next Election.
Bob,Calgary,Alberta
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Frank Bankuti
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Iggy take your ego and go back to the USA where you belong. You admitted on TV yourself that America was your home and country. You are not for the people of Canada. You are so hypocritical. And, if you do win an election it will probably be with a minority government and then you will face the same "Let's bring Iggy down".
You might just end up eating your own words down the road.
It seems like Mr. Layton is so angry about everything. Instead of putting the interests of the country at hand, he is so obsessed with bringing the government down.
I find all 3 opposition leaders in total disrespect of Mr. Harper. He is, after all, still the Prime Minister whether people like it or not.
iphoneu
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Iggy is just grandstanding. He knows damn well that the Bloc will not hand him their own defeat in Quebec. You watch, if he doesn't support it, the Bloc will support the Conservatives. Besides, the Conservatives almost have a majority anyway without most of Quebec.
Shirlee - SK
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Tucker
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The Royal Bank, JUST TODAY released a report predicting Canada's economy will begin coming out of the recession by the fall of this year. THAT IS THE ONLY REASON IGNATIEFF AND THE LIBERAL'S WANT AN ELECTION NOW. So they can be in office when the economy recovers.
It really is ALL ABOUT HIM. He doesn't cive a crap about Canadians. Depending on which poll you look at that has asked the question, between 64% and 80% of Canadians said they DO NOT want an election. Even Harris-Decima, the most pro Liberal polling company in Canada said that only 25% of respondants think EI is an issue worth going to election over.
The Liberals: No money to fight an election with, and no platform to fight an electio on.
John in Ottawa
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Any one of us should be able to be called upon to head a few blocks away to drop in a vote on a day's notice. We should all always know who we support.
It's those 3 stupid weeks of ads that's the annoying part.
Enough is Enough - London, ON
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"Zandy" Harry Zandbergen
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conductor274
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David in Sudbury
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And by the way, an election "costs" us nothing. If an election is called, approx. $300 million will be spent. Where do you thing that money goes? It doesn't evaporate - it's another $300 million dollars being pumped directly into our economy, just like all of the other stimulus money Harper claims is being spent. Only this money is spent almost immediately, creating all kinds of short term jobs and injecting cash to businesses around the country.
MJ
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Go for it Iggy - it might bite you in the behind but then maybe not.
Personally I don't want an election.
GF
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What would Ignatieff be doing differently?????
Would he have let GM and Chrysler fail???
Are you Lib Lovers angry that Canada is running a deficit, or are you just angry at the fact it's not the Liberals in power making the decisions???
I'm betting the latter.
A REAL Canadian
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I would not trust this clown at the wheel...
The liberals are all about the destruction of personal freedoms and the perpetuation of splintered, special interest groups.
They have no proper vision of this country in a global perspective
NO GOOD at all for my Canada!
Mark Smith (Montreal, QC)
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I don't like Harper's GST cut and anyone with a basic economic knowledge knows that cutting the GST was actually fairly stupid thing to do when you could have cut the income tax and actually put money in the pockets of canadians (saving by spending IT NOT FAVORABLE to larger pay cheques). But I like Harper's idea of baby steps when it comes to fixing the economy. Rather than the US throwing trillions at once, Harper threw pennies (by comparison) to see what would happen when he did.
But then I need to think of some of the things Harper has done while in power that were just dirty.
For starters, he reopened the vote on gay marriage. Right away that tells me Harper is not a supporter of equal rights. When he tried to remove public funding from political parties, this was simply the most outrageously dirty politics Canada has seen in a generation, and he completely lost control of parliament because of it. Him and Flaherty were so naive to the economic problems that, even though I think their handling of stimulus spending is decent, it was also too late. Not only that, but had Harper had the foresight that many other economists had over the economy collapsing (it was an economy based on debt alone, what did you think would happen?), then the income tax cut would've come and not the GST tax cut.
Harper has strong points to him, this is without question. But he plays such dirty politics, and makes some really bad moral and financial decisions.
Larry I Ontario
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TG
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mhanna
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Walking Man
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What about, the new numbers in the billions, squandered since Harper took power. One or two of the comments had the issues right where this election is concerned. The longer the cons stay in power, the deeper the hole will be to climb out of down the road.
Call iggy what you will, after all he is a character, but can he be worse than a keep it close to the vest PM Harper? Harper makes sure he is the mouthpiece and woe betide anyone who forgets it in his party. With so many people wearing Harper blinders, it’s no wonder you can smell their fear whenever a mention of election is made. Time for a change & never mind the summer vacation.
cr
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economic problems,and he dosen't, guit giving him precious air time that we pay for. Stop being so bias CTV. Drop it. Let the smut magazines work this over, not a so called reputable tv station....You are losing alot of credibility with your bias attitude...Stop the sensationalism and be honest in your reporting. Quit trying to stir Canadians up to get your ratings up..
Joyce
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Ignatief would add to the Deficit as he wants to introduce a 360 hour work time for people to draw EI, which will skyrocket the Deficit.
We will then be like many European Countries where the State keeps those who do NOT Want TO WORK and it is the Taxpayer which foots the bill.
The Netherlands already has it that those who do not want to hold a steady job, live off the Taxpayers and those who do work they end up carrying someone on their backs all the time, as per the Taxpayers we have met on Holiday here in Canada.
The Liberals, who themselves are not able to forecast what the actual Deficit would be as they have not said so and can not say so, because the Economy drivers are also the USA if their people do not help stimulate the Economy, neither will ours flourish, which helps drive up our Deficit.
I would say as per the Poor Infrastructure by Dave from Cobourg Ont., I can only say that it is the Liberals, if he has any knowledge of them having been in Government longer, have been contributors of this Poor Infrastructure themselves, as it was the Liberals who took away Transfer Payments and Health Care Funds etc. when Martin was the Finance Minister, and left the Provinces High and Dry and are the masters of the Adscam.
Elizabeth
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If an election is called, I'm giving up on this round of ridiculous politics. As Robin Williams said it last fall in
Toronto, "Congratulations Canada! $300 million dollars for no change."
Create a party Canadian can be proud of, before calling for a third election in 4 years. Enough!
Brent from BC
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GF
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If he did, all he would need to do is vote against the approval of spending estimates when they come to a vote on Friday, since all financial bills are automatically confidence votes.
Alysha Ont
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Looks like 'His Royal Highness Iggy' wants to get elected in time to announce that "HE is the Saviour of the World recession".
It's all about POWER for Iggy and his EGO folks before he goes running back to the USA to help Obama.
Teri BC
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I do not want any man to come to Canada after being away so long and think he knows what is best for me.
Rob
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some of you are really missing the point. if you really believe that our federal government can have any impact on the global recession please reload and broaden your horizons. out pultry 50 Billion in stimulous will do nothing if the near two trillion stimulous from the US has not fixed it on a global scale.
I would like "IGGY" to put forward his platform and how much it is going to cost tax payers before he triggers an election, that being said lets see all the platforms and projections so that we can support or not support an election on a platform and the credibility you can give to each.
There is a lot of rhetoric on this site today and I wish that some of you would give have as time to researching your point then spewing unsubstantiated talking points.
jay
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Ryder
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Canada, according to outside financial agencies worldwide, will be the FIRST to depart the recession. Some claim as early as the end of this year!! The steps that the Conservatives put into place before the recession was full blown prevented Canada from falling deeper into the recession. Harper and his team have done a fantastic job of keeping things rolling. If some of you try to blame to present government for the loss of jobs in the auto sector, you are WRONG!! The only ones to blame for that is the greedy unions! Them and only them caused the demise of the auto industry.
You claim that you want a Liberal government to run the country when the Libs cant even run Ontario!!! And dont think for a moment that the rest of Canada is not watching that FACT! Look at the change in Atlantic Canada, the NDP thumped both the Libs and the Conservatives!!
Oh, and more thing, stop stating that ALL OF CANADA is ready for a change. That is only YOUR opinion, not that of ALL OF CANADA.
I for one shudder at the thought of the Liberals getting back into power and taxing my savings away!!
GO HARPER GO!!!!
Prynce
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Canada Goose Whistler
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I believe Harper has once again lied to us.
Now is the best time for an election.
The money spent for the election is stimulus, history tells us the liberals are better economist than the cons.
Lets vote! it take 15 minutes, better now than christmas.
bellainottawa
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Jayme
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Part of the probleam is we need stability.We do not need a election every year or less.They cost massive amount of money to run every time and if we keep having them then does that help no.
Dumacracy the NDPer
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The average family does NOT have 3000 more to spend a year, contrary to your party's silly propaganda.
-GST reduction
---This only makes it tougher for us to pay off our debt we owe, and has contributed to the massive deficit we're facing. Congratulations.
-Tougher sentences for criminals
---When did Canada become Nazi Germany? By the way, this gives us no extra money.
-Home Improvement tax credit
---Not as great as you might think, I work at Home Depot, I would know. But nice try!
-Tax free savings accounts
---Almost all economists have said this is useless. But hey, I wouldn't expect a Con to listen to anyone but himself.
If the government were to take that 3000 that you think we all have, an invest that into infrastructure projects, which provide jobs and help improve the mobility and accessibility of the economy, families would have far more money.
Diane
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I hope that if they go for a summer election people avoid voting for them to teach them a well deserved lesson.
Where is the common Sense here?
Mike
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BIG-JIM
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So what Canadians are you speaking to there IGGY??? Canada does spread further west that Quebec and Ontario buddy!
You best not call an election as I think you may get the shock of your life and LOSE seats because you are irritating Canadians with your holier than thou American attitude.
Politics may be played that way South of the Border but I think Canadians are a bit smarter than that.
We are more laid back BUT when pushed the shove back harder.
You do not have the know how to fix the recession you are just stabbing in the dark trying to steal Stephen's job that WE as Canadians gave him.
So sit down, shut up and listen to ALL Canadians!
BMM
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The PM should just not even answer him. Let him bring in a confidence motion. The Bloc and NDP will find a way to not support it. Iggy will look like a fool and then maybe he will quit all of his “on probation” and “I’ll bring you down” nonsense. Call his bluff P.M.
KMC (ON)
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This should have been dealt with decades ago, when the Bloc first emerged.
This also goes for issues which exclusively concern other provinces. (e.g. Nfld oil resources) Such issues should not be within the purview of the Bloc Quebecois and they should not have a vote.
Harper should put the matter before the SOC for a decision on whether the Bloc can bring down a Government duly elected with a majority in the rest of the country.
Johnny
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graham from TO.
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Chris Ont
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I think Iggy likes acting as a puppet
Listen to the People!
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Sandi in Ottawa
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God help us all if he should ever become Prime Minister.
I would love to see ONE policy idea he has. He has said nothing because he is all about tax and spend, the same as every other Liberal.
MP
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Judy
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tony ducey
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Mike M
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Cindy from Sask.
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Edmonton Vic
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Ron J.
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Helen
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The Man
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If Ignatieff was smart, then he would wait until the recession is almost over, take power, and then when the recession ends, take all the credit for the Conservative's plan. With the media's help, he could pull it off.
Scary, isn't it?
Willow B
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Tina - Cornwall
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Norm
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GHW
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Just remember Mr. Ignatieff that because of the Block, the NDP and the reunification of the Conservative Party most governments in the future will be minority ones and what goes around comes around.
What would be best for our county is if all these politicians began a more cooperative spirit in parliament. It’s not about being in power or opposing for the sake of opposing, it’s about serving your constituents.
M M B Ont
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Stop trying to run the gov't and making deals Iggy. You are to decide on the report card as presented !
Binny
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Prof. Pye Chartt
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Too chicken to call the election he craves. No answers or solutions for his contrived "issues" with PM Harper's government. Just a bunch of wimpy, hollow questions that perpetuate the man's desperate quest (need) to fulfill his self-righteous destiny to be the leader of a country he's never really cared about until more recently, after formalizing a political scheme to get seated in Parliament.
THE POLITICAL WINDBAG HAS SPOKEN
No genuine assessment of his enemy's budget, or of the Conservatives' "stimulus package." Instead, the assertion that the money hasn't hit the ground yet (which is true)...while refusing to acknowledge that the Canadian economy continues to recover ANYWAY. What would he do differently? Who the heck knows?! Iggy's too afraid and unsure to say.
Just a bunch of rhetorical gobbledygook about E.I.
Thanks, Mr. Ignatieff. Thanks for gracing us with your devine media presence, and your infinite political wisdom. Thanks for nothing. Now, go back outside, stand on Parliament Hill, stick your finger into the wind once more, and let us know what you think in a couple weeks. We'd all be so grateful.
Ron F, Orleans
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Summer is for relaxing not stroking egos
Fed up with Politicians.
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Remember who forced the stimulus package early?
Here we go again. Its not about holding the Government accountable is it Iggy? It is about the Liberal agenda and their sense of entitlement.
I recall the last time the Liberals overturned a minority government,on a gas tax issue. Guess what happened? Once in power the conservatives proposed gas tax seemed miniscule.
So go ahead Iggy. Lets have an election.
Shannon
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Valerie
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Carol
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J.P.
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Robert Smith
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Tired of the games!!
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Doug BC
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The questions I have for Liberals remain unanswered.I want to see your policies Mr.Inatieff.Not liking this government is not good enough!! You have to table a policy book that shows you can do better.So far,you have shown me a big,fat NOTHING.
On day you want a smaller deficit.THe next day you want more spending.One day you support our military,the next day you want us out of Afghanistan.One day you talk about national unity,the next day you refuse to discuss that joke we call a Senate.
The advantage that the opposition has,is that we do not demand policies from their side of the house.They can CLAIM to have better ideas without actually having to produce either the policies,or the cost of those policies.
SHOW ME THE BEEF "Iggy".If you cannot,them I urge all Canadians,and especially Canadians in the west,to punish the Liberal Party severely for forcing yet another election on the people of Canada.While I have issues with the current government,the only thing I fear more than a Harper majority is a return of the Liberal Party.(aka NDP Lite)
Do not be fooled by the Liberal "spin".We have heard it before.They have failed in the duties we assigned them in the last election.I see no reason to believe they deserve a "promotion" to government.
Pete, Burlington
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It is ironic that Ignatieff wants plans on how we spend yet more money on EI and bailouts etc and in the next breath wants to know what is being done about the deficit!
You can't have it both ways buddy....Of course he already knows that and anyone who follows his actions and words enogh also knows that for Ignatieff, the only global crisis worth thinking about is working out how to get himself elected as PM. If he fails, he will run off home to the USA and will not be seen again in Canada. Hopefully he will have room in his suitcase for Mr Layton as well.
Political BBQ Fundraiser event is fun
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Think of all bbq fundrasing events will be happening in summer.
That is fun! Yummy Yummy BBQ season here we come!
jenna
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Frank - Ontario Voter
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Bear in Sask
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James Raider
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Have we forgotten Chretien's deal with Zaccardelli to close the Hong Kong immigration office investigation. The ramifications have been enormous.
Anne M
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Brian in TO
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There's a big difference between stealing $50 Million of taxpayers money and siphoning it off into your party's coffers and being forced to generate a $30 Billion deficit for economic stimulus that has ballooned into $50 Billion due to unexpectedly low government revenues.
I don't know how you can sleep at night supporting a party of thieves and hypocrites but I bet it's on a big pile of Adscam money.
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