...and that's why judged should not be elected.

"Anti-Gay Group Releases Poll To Pressure Washington Supreme Court Marriage Decision
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(Olympia, Washington) A poll taken for a conservative Christian group of Washington voters shows that justices on the state Supreme Court and Democrats could take a beating in the next election if the court approves same-sex marriage.

The survey shows that more than half (54 percent) of the people polled said they would be less likely to vote for a justice who supported overturning the state's Defense of Marriage Act."

Story

Profile 6: Halifax

c9's Pretty Clearly Left-Leaning Riding Write-ups!

Riding: Halifax
Map: http://www.elections.ca/scripts/pss/maps/P12004.pdf
More info on your riding

Riding 12004, Halifax, has a diverse mix of industries. As the province's capital, one of its largest employers is the provincial government. It is also the Atlantic regional headquarters for many national financial institutions. The service industry is important, as are health, social and educational services.

According to the 2001 census, more than 57 per cent of residents rent their dwellings. Almost 90 per cent of the population cite English as their mother tongue. The immigrant population is just over nine per cent. Almost 27 per cent of the population have university degrees. The average family income is $68,901 and the unemployment rate is 7.6 per cent.

Population: 89,019

(writeup above primarily from cbc.ca)

2006 Candidates:
Andrew House (Conservative Party of Canada)
Martin MacKinnon (Liberal Party of Canada)
Alexa McDonough (New Democratic Party) (incumbent)
Tony Seed (Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada)
Nick Wright (Green Party of Canada)

Recent Election Results:

	LIB	CPC	PC	CA	REF	NDP	OTHER
2004	39.1%	14.6%				41.5%	4.7%
2000	33.0%		17.7%	5.7%		40.4%	3.2%
1997	21.6%		23.3%		5.4%	49.0%	0.6%

Prior to 1997, the area's MP was: Liberal (1988-1997), PC (1984-1988), Liberal (1980-1984), and PC (1968-1980).

Only the NDP candidate is the same as in 2004. The Liberals came close last time, but with a new unknown candidate Alexa will likely win again. She still has a lot of heft from being NDP leader prior to Jack Layton, and she mops the floor with anyone and everyone at debates. The NDP are going to win this one unless there's a large shift in the vote. Urban Halifax is pretty progressive, so don't look for a surprise here.

www.electionprediction.org says: NDP, probably not very close at all.

In this riding, the NDP typically wins. If you are scared to give an inch to the Conservatives anywhere, then vote NDP here. The Liberals will almost assuredly be second.

Hot Issue: Equal Marriage. The incumbent is very supportive. (I met her.)


( Explanations and non-riding-specific information )

Disclaimer: Your vote is your choice. If you think I'm wrong go ahead and (a) comment about it, and (b) vote your heart. I can take it.

Too many ridings.

Canada has 308 ridings. This election campaign is 55 days long, which means that if I wanted to profile each riding I would have to post six per day, with Sundays off. (it IS the Lord's day, after all)

Obviously not gonna happen. But I've realized there are ten ridings left I want to profile, and in precisely ten days the polls will already be closed. So I'm going to have to post more often. Just wanted to warn you.

primary_suspect, iambic_cub, disasternat, cap_hill_latte, skaughty, jamielb, quebec_city_boy, adamos, evad_cgy, and more will have profiles of their very own to go with the ones already posted!

Update: senhor and jdhorner too! Even if they can't vote, they get in on the fun.

Profile 7: Prince Edward—Hastings

c9's Pretty Clearly Left-Leaning Riding Write-ups!

Riding: Prince Edward—Hastings
Map: http://www.elections.ca/scripts/pss/maps/P35073.pdf
More info on your riding

Riding 35073, Prince Edward—Hastings, is a pretty conservative (and Conservative) place. Major industries are manufacturing and retail trade with some agriculture. Average family income is $56,433 and unemployment is 7.3 per cent.

Population: 109,407

In 2004, Conservative Daryl Kramp defeated Liberal Bruce Knutson by 2,556 votes. Liberal Lyle Vanclief was the MP from 1988 until 2004. He was minister of agriculture from 1997 until December 2003.

(writeup above primarily from cbc.ca)

2006 Candidates:
Tim Hickey (Independent)
Daryl Kramp (Conservative Party of Canada) (incumbent)
Michael McMahon (New Democratic Party)
Joseph Sahadat (Green Party of Canada)
Bob Vaughan (Liberal Party of Canada)

Recent Election Results:

	LIB	CPC	PC	CA	REF	NDP	OTHER
2004	37.6%	42.4%				15.2%	4.9%
2000	50.5%		20.3%	24.4%		4.8%
1997	51.6%		21.4%		21.2%	5.8%

Prior to 1997, the area's MP was: Liberal (1988-2004), PC (1968-1988).

Looking at the numbers, and looking at the map, you already know the story on this riding. Lots of rural, lots of industry, and the right-wing vote has been >40% for three straight elections. The low NDP vote says something too, though there's a nice uptick in 2004. Anger against the Lberals along the 401 is quite palpable, so this riding is pretty much guaranteed to stay Conservative -- which is typical, historically. The nineties were unusual.

www.electionprediction.org says: Conservative, not very close.

In this riding, the NDP typically runs third. If you are scared to give an inch to the Conservatives anywhere, then vote Liberal here. But to be honest, the Liberals have little chance here, so a principled vote for the NDP might be just as satisfying (that is, hardly at all).

Hot Issue: Equal Marriage. The incumbent is very negative, and received an F from Egale Canada. He's only had two votes to show his GLBT stance, but he took 'em.


( Explanations and non-riding-specific information )

Disclaimer: Your vote is your choice. If you think I'm wrong go ahead and (a) comment about it, and (b) vote your heart. I can take it.