NDP didn't go to Labrador for 'hoopla,' says Earle McCurdy
If Earle McCurdy went to Labrador this week hoping to gain some traction for the NDP campaign, there were no visible signs that he accomplished that goal.
McCurdy visited Labrador West and Lake Melville, two districts where many observers say the New Democrats have a chance at making some inroads in the Nov. 30 provincial election.
After all, NDP candidates came second in both districts in the 2011 election.
But McCurdy's tour of the Big Land hardly seemed to resonate with local voters.
His reception was noticeably muted, with fewer than 30 people attending a fundraising dinner for Lab West candidate Ron Barron on Monday evening.
The empty seats spoke louder than the energy in the room.
It's hard to characterize this as a rousing endorsement from a region that is home to a strong labour movement connected to the struggling mining industry.
A mostly empty arena
And then there was McCurdy's foray into Lake Melville, where Arlene Michelin is hoping to improve on her impressive showing four years ago.
But once again, there was no real welcome mat for the NDP leader or his campaign, with many voters at the Co-op grocery store in Happy Valley-Goose Bay concentrating their attention on the race between PC incumbent Keith Russell and his Liberal challenger, Perry Trimper.
Michelin is well behind in the sign war, has not yet started touching doors in the district, and admits she can't match the resources being poured into the campaign by her opponents.
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There were no rallies or pre-planned events to demonstrate a grassroots of support for the NDP.
McCurdy's Tuesday itinerary had him visiting the E.J. Broomfield Arena in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, but when reporters showed at the rink, the building was occupied by a half-dozen or so figure skaters and a handful of parents in the stands.
And when McCurdy made Labrador specific promises to enhance funding for the medical travel assistance program and rent subsidies for low-income earners, he stood before the camera joined only by the local candidate.
Where were the NDP supporters? Where were the people who could speak to reporters about how these promises would improve their lives?
'Came here to meet with people'
McCurdy tried to put a positive spin on the situation.
"I came here to meet with people. It wasn't a matter of looking for hoopla. It was a matter of talking to some opinion leaders," McCurdy said on Wednesday following his attendance at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay remembrance ceremony.
"This was not a campaign of razzle-dazzle. I wanted to get a good understanding of the issues as people saw it, and I think from that point of view it was very successful," he added.
McCurdy routinely introduces himself as the man running to be the next premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
But based on his Labrador experience, it's hard to imagine that he truly believes he can make that happen.
McCurdy wants to break the cycle of power that has routinely switched back and forth in this province, with polls suggesting that the Liberals are poised to take their turn at the helm.
The early part of this campaign, and the results of a recent public opinion poll, indicate that his goal is a lofty one.
When asked if he has a real chance at forming government, McCurdy says "campaigns matter" and he plans to make the most of the next two-and-a-half weeks.
"Things aren't going to happen overnight," he said.
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