Randy Hillier’s team has given me an exclusive first look at their new ad. Here it is.
Here is the original Reagan ad. I think they matched it quite well.
Tag: randy hillier
Hudak and Elliott campaigns protest party decision on London debate
I received news this evening that the PC Party had moved to prohibit recording devices from a leaders debate to occur today in London. I’ve verified with a reporter covering the race that this indeed was the case. The Elliott and Hudak campaigns were quick to protest the decision. Here are their emails (forwarded to me by the respective campaigns).
The Elliott campaign,
Dear, Christine, Janet, Michael and Tom:
It has recently been brought to my attention that the Party intends to restrict journalists from recording video or audio of the upcoming debates.
On behalf of the Christine Elliott Campaign, I would like to express my sincere disappointment with this decision. It is not in the best interests of the public or the P.C. Party of Ontario to impede journalists from carrying out their responsibilities. We ought to be showcasing the great ideas and individuals in this contest.
There are several problems with this decision. For one, why would we want to deny party members who can’t attend the debates from getting information through their local media outlet? Additionally, by restricting video and audio coverage of these debates we are missing the opportunity to promote the P.C. Party, our values and our principles.
I would ask you to seriously reconsider your position on this as I believe that it will be detrimental, not only to the leadership campaign, but to the P.C. Party overall. I don’t believe this is the message we want to be sending to our friends in the media or to the public at large.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Dan Miles
Communications Co-Chair
Christine Elliott Campaign
and the Hudak campaign,
From: Lesley Harmer
Sent: Wed 5/20/2009 5:14 PM
To: RBenzie@thestar.ca; John.McGrath@cbc.ca; antonella.artuso@sunmedia.ca; KHowlett@globeandmail.com; SMallen@GlobalTV.Com; rrath@chchnews.ca; rrath@chtv.ca
Cc: Jeremy Adams; Mike Low
Subject: Ontario PC Party London DebatePlease note, it came to our attention this morning that the party would not allow recording devices during the debate tomorrow. We do not support this decision. Our official agent is conveying that to the PC party of Ontario. We believe the media should have open access to the debates.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
LesleyLesley Harmer
Tim Hudak Campaign
Finally, I’ve heard that the party will go ahead and allow reporters to use recording devices during the debate.
UPDATE: This is confirmed. Here is the media advisory from the party.
From: Wilson, Michael J.
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:34 AM
To: Wilson, Michael J. [PCPO]
Subject: Media Advisory: Ontario PC Party London Debate * Update**Important notice to the media, revised debate protocol
Camera and recording equipment allowedONTARIO PC LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES KICK-OFF DEBATES IN LONDON
Toronto, ON- Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leadership Candidates will be available to speak to the media following the first in a series of provincial debates.
Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2009Time:
6:00 p.m.: Media registration
7:30 p.m.: Debate begins10 minutes following the end of the Debate: Candidate media availability
Location:
University of Western Ontario
Arthur & Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building
Room 40
Huron Drive
N6A 5B9Candidate Media Availability to follow in HSB 9 (Room Location)
Note: Only accredited media and those holding debate tickets will be permitted to attend the event.
Debate speaking order will be as follows:
Opening Remarks:
1. Randy Hillier
2. Christine Elliott
3. Frank Klees
4. Tim HudakClosing Remarks:
1. Frank Klees
2. Tim Hudak
3. Randy Hillier
4. Christine ElliottMedia Availability order will be as follows: (5 minutes each)
1. Randy Hillier
2. Christine Elliott
3. Tim Hudak
4. Frank Klees-30-
Ontario PC Party leadership race fundraising numbers
Christine Elliott is the money leader so far in this leadership race rounding out the pack of four leadership contenders. Membership sales closed days ago and the campaign enters its persuasion phase.
| Candidate | Christine Elliott | Frank Klees | Tim Hudak | Randy Hillier |
| Total raised | $315,100 | $62,517 | $153,940 | $91,809 |
| Average donation | $2046.10 | $2604.88 | $1241.45 | $1311.56 |
| Median donation | $500 | $740 | $500 | $142.50 |
| Donations | 154 | 24 | 124 | 70 |
A few observations are noteworthy. The Hudak campaign had claimed at membership cut off time that donations would surpass $200,000. Since we are about 5 days past the close of membership sales and noting that donations must be declared within 10 days, the campaign may have indeed raised $200k by the membership cutoff date. Despite this, the Elliott campaign more than doubles the Hudak campaign in fundraising contributions. Frank Klees, who is the perceived front-runner in membership sales checks in with a disappointing $62,517. He’ll need to raise a lot more in order to effectively convert the thousands of memberships that he’s reportedly sold come (leadership) election day. Randy Hillier makes a respectful showing with $91,809, a sum that includes two donations from federal MP Scott Reid ($30,000) and himself ($25,000).
Cumulatively, the four PC leadership contenders have so far taken in 16 donations of $10,000 or over. Here they are:
| Scott Reid | $30,000.00 | HILLIER |
| CIC Developments Inc. | $25,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Cougs Investments Ltd. | $25,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Steven Pietrobon | $25,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Phillip Sutherland | $25,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Shiplake Management Company | $25,000.00 | HUDAK |
| Randy Hillier | $25,000.00 | HILLIER |
| Pace Credit Union | $20,000.00 | KLEES |
| David Cynamon | $10,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Howard Holdings Corp | $10,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Joanne Love | $10,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Peter Westaway | $10,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Ross Whalen | $10,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Robert Wilson | $10,000.00 | ELLIOTT |
| Steane Consulting Ltd. | $10,000.00 | HUDAK |
| Mass Insurance Brokers Ltd. | $10,000.00 | KLEES |
All data accurate from Elections Canada as of 9:15pm EST May 19th, 2009