Brian Pallister gains ground in Conservative race

Nearing the midway point in the Progressive Conservative Party leadership race, the shape of the contest finally is focusing.

And Manitoba’s Brian Pallister may be climbing into the race, gaining attention with his combative conservative rhetoric and crucial support from Ontario Tories with ties to premier Mike Harris.

Canadians at large still seem largely unaffected by the campaign to lead Parliament’s small Tory caucus as the fourth PC leader in five years.

But Tories who do care can see some themes and tactics emerging.

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For example:

Former PC leader and prime minister Joe Clark is conducting a cautious front-runner’s race, emphasizing his record and style rather than specific policy positions.
Perceived second-place candidate Hugh Segal is trying to be the candidate of ideas, churning out policy positions on everything from federal-provincial relations to re-organizing the armed forces.
Quebec candidate Michael Fortier is playing the role of stalking horse for those Tories interested in an accommodation with Reform.
Saskatchewan farmer and anti-free trade zealot David Orchard argues that his anti-free trade, pro-central government, pro-environment views best reflect Canadian Conservative roots.

So far, he has won the public endorsement of two provincial environmental Green parties.

Pallister, arm in a sling after a mountain bike accident, is drawing increased attention for his sharp attacks on the other candidates and Reform.

On Monday, he stood on Parliament Hill to unveil two new recruits and some instant credibility east of the Manitoba border. Jim Jones from Markham, Ont., the party’s only Ontario MP, and Toronto senator and major fund-raiser Consiglio Di Nino, said they signed on because they think Pallister offers the best option to turn the party into a principled, conservative political vehicle.

In addition to credibility, Di Nino’s support gives Pallister a connection to the important Toronto Italian and immigrant community.

After introducing his political trophy acquisitions, the former Manitoba cabinet minister let loose on three of his favorite targets – Preston Manning and rivals Clark and Segal.

On Manning and Reform, Pallister has taken the hard-line view that there can be no political footsie.

Reform lured away Tory voters under false pretenses. It promised principled conservative policies and has become another party willing to compromise on issues like pensions. As a “principled Conservative,” he said, “I am Preston Manning’s worst nightmare.”

But it is his barbs at Clark’s efforts to steer clear of detailed policies that cut closest in this leadership contest.

“Those who do not understand the importance of ideology and ideas and ideals … do not understand why people left the Conservative Party,” Pallister said.

“If they do not understand why people left, they do not know how to bring them back.”

The planned leaders’ debate forums may produce some heat, if not light.