Check out this story for some more background on Wajid Khan.
..."He essentially started as a Conservative politician," said Muslim Canadian Congress founder Tarek Fatah, who came to know Khan through their work in the Muslim community during the past 15 years.
"Very few people are aware of his Tory heritage."
In 2002, that heritage saw Khan throw his support behind now Federal Health Minister Tony Clement's bid for the leadership of the Ontario Tories.
"He was a provincial Conservative at that time and was supportive of my leadership bid," said Clement. "We've kept the friendship going since then."
Khan's defection came just one day after Liberal Party Leader Stephane Dion demanded the MP make a choice between the Liberals and his role as special adviser on the Middle East and Afghanistan to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Despite appearances, the move was a long time coming, said Clement.
"I've known (since the February 2006 election) that he's been conflicted and he's being trying to wrestle with whether he should make a big change in his political orientation," said Clement.
"I knew this was coming and I'm glad to see this come to fruition."
It might have helped his future electoral prospects if a few more people were aware of his Tory heritage. But his Fan590 heritage may make his next election easier than your usual backbench floor crosser.
Instant-Update: Or not.
...Both Liberal and Conservative staffers I spoke to today, by the way, agree that Khan doesn’t have a hope winning the riding as a Conservative.
Comments (7)
If Khan has no hope in the riding, then he must have done it out of principle, right? Which addresses all these attacks from Liberals accusing him of selfhishness and malfeasance.
Posted by Dennis (Second Thoughts) | January 6, 2007 3:17 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 15:17
I’m skeptical about that prediction — yes, he only won the riding by 5000 votes, but the second place candidate was the Conservative one.
If he can keep the Tory vote, he only needs to bring over a few thousand of his supporters from the last election…
Posted by Ben (The Tiger in Exile)
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January 6, 2007 3:22 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 15:22
Whatever hope he may have had is lost, because of the anger he’ll have generated in the community. Do you think David Emerson would ever have a snowballs hope in hell of representing Vancouver Kingsway as a Conservative? It’s more likely Harper would announce he’s on board with Kyoto before that happens…
Posted by Adrian MacNair | January 6, 2007 6:21 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 18:21
A commenter on Coyne just came from a conservative gathering in Khan’s riding.
It was packed, full of Khan’s ethic community, and the commenter was shocked at its size, and the buzz.
I love it when “experts” write off a candidate as if the election were a mere technicality,
and then they’re wrong.
Like with Khan.
Posted by Chester | January 6, 2007 6:56 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 18:56
Many of the homegrown terrorists youths, were from Khan’s riding. To think that the Muslim community would be more concerned about the ‘floorcrossing’ than the efforts Khan has made for his riding/country is….oh so Liberal. The Muslim community has been badly shaken with ‘their kids’ turning to terrorism. Libs were so wrapped up in themselves, they have forgotten. Thankfully, Khan and PMSH haven’t.
Posted by wilson61 | January 7, 2007 2:50 AM
Posted on January 7, 2007 02:50
MORE CRIMINAL CHARGES IN ADSCAM?
here: http://www.ottawasun.com/News/Columnists/Weston_Greg/2007/01/07/3215346.html
Recall that Gomery couldn’t cover what was being criminally investigated.
In other words, the absolute worst stuff.
Maybe Khan was a classic case of fleeing the sinking ship.
Posted by Chester | January 7, 2007 2:02 PM
Posted on January 7, 2007 14:02
Chester, Thanks for the link. Since the election I have been plagued by the notion the Gomery Inquiry was like finishing a riveting book with a poor ending….”This can’t be all….what about the loose ends…I need closure!”
The msm in general has pretended Adscam is ancient history with their apparent refusal to acknowledge any new developments. I still want to know where all that money went inside the LPC and which riding’s election results were corrupted.I’m happy to be reminded I’m not the only one.
Posted by Canadian Observer | January 8, 2007 11:11 AM
Posted on January 8, 2007 11:11