provincial leaders debate tonight
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8/4/2019 Provincial Leaders Debate Tonight
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Patrick MaloneyQMI Agency
LONDON, Ont. AndreaH o r w a t h h a s a p r o b l e m .Tuesdays debate may providethe solution.
It has become clear over thepast three weeks on the cam-paign trail that the Ontario NDPhead, like most rookie leaders, isunknown to many voters, leavingher fighting to raise her profile.
But once voters get to knowher as a recent poll suggests
they like her. A lot.As a result, Horwath, 48, hasthe most to gain heading intoTuesday nights televised leadersdebate, said Peter Woolstencroft,professor emeritus of politi-cal science at the University of
Waterloo. I t s h e r b i g m o m e n t ,
he added. This is AndreaHorwaths chance to shine.
Tory Leader Tim Hudak also in his first campaign asleader faces the same hurdle,but to a lesser degree.
Hudak said hes eager for hisfirst televised debate as leader,pledging to stand apart from histwo rivals.
Im looking forward to it,Hudak said. On that stage onTuesday night youll see oneleader who stands for givingOntario families immediaterelief.
Hudak was out shaking handsMonday morning represent-ing something of a shift for aTory campaign thats largely fea-tured scripted events.
But if a recent poll is to betrusted, voters find Horwathmore likeable than Hudak and,for that matter, Liberal PremierDalton McGuinty.
The poll found voters consid-ered Horwath the leader theydmost like to have over for abarbecue.
Will that kind of one-on-one appeal translate in the TVdebate? Horwath is hoping so.
I was hoping for moredebates. The more debates, thebetter, she said. I look for-
ward to talking to the people ofOntario about our plan to putthem first.
The legacy of late federal NDPleader Jack Layton could sparka surge for the Ontarios crop ofNew Democrats.
Her performance in last we eksnorthern Ontario debate withHudak drew mixed reviews.
For Woolstencroft, shes theone to watch Tuesday night.
I think this is big for AndreaHorwath, he said. People sayshe meets very well, shes very
engaging. (But) shes a little flim-flamy on policy details if youstart asking questions, theres alot of ums and ahs.
So what comes through onTV? I dont know. It will be veryinteresting.
McGuinty, echoing the tone ofhis campaign, expects to focuson his experience as premier and the need for a steady handto guide Ontarios still-fragileeconomy.
Debate s Horwaths chace to she
ontarionews
Politics: Expert says NDP leader and, to a lesser extent, PC leader face challenges as rookies
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Tale of the tape
Tim Hudak
AGE: 48
RIDING: Hamilton Centre
MARITAL STATUS: Single, one son, 18
SIGNATURE FIGHTING STYLE: Takingthe high road has criticized her rivalsor mud-slinging on the campaign trail.
FAVOURITE SPORT: Swimming. Likes towatch tennis
MOVIE: Cant think o a avourite
FIRST JOB:Banquet server and shortorder cook at a gol course 15-16 years
old.
FOOD SHE WONT EAT: Liver
PET: Dog wheaten-schnauser cross named Waes
ISSUE SHE WANTS TO BE KNOWN FOR:
Putting people frst.
HORWATH
Adrea
Tm
HuDAkAGE: 43
RIDING: Niagara West-Glanbrook
MARITAL STATUS: Married to DebbieHutton, daughter Miller soon to t urn our
SIGNATURE FIGHTING STYLE: eHealthuppercut ollowed by sneaky eco-ee jab
FAVOURITE SPORT: Playing basketball andwatching ootball
FAVOURITE MOVIE: The Good, The Bad, andThe Ugly
FIRST JOB:Lieguard
FOOD HE WONT EAT: Raw tomatoes
PET: Tavish, the Nova Scotia duck tollingretriever
ISSUES HE WANTS TO BE KNOWN FOR:
Lower taxes, lower spending
AGE: 56
RIDING: Ottawa South
MARITAL STATUS : Married to Terri McGuinty,our kids
SIGNATURE FIGHTING STYLE: Intimidateswith Premier Dad attitude; goes to the bodywith health care and education one-two punch
FAVOURITE SPORT: Hockey
FAVOURITE MOVIE:Field of Dreams
FIRST JOB:Butchers assistant in localgrocery store (also camp counsellor at his
parents amily-run camp)
FOOD HE WONT EAT: Ill eat anything.
PET: Rescued dog named Mikki
ISSUE HE WANTS TO BE KNOWN FOR:
Education
McGuinTy
Dalto