Conservative campaign spokesperson Kory Teneycke admits winning a majority in next week’s federal election probably won’t happen for any party, including his own.
“I don’t think that’s terribly realistic for any of the parties where we’re at right now,” he told Global News after a campaign event in Brampton.
“But you know, elections are always about surprises so we’ll see if there’s any surprises on election day.”
Teneycke’s comments stand in contrast to NDP leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, both of whom are talking about majorities.
Mulcair called for “a strong majority NDP government” Thursday morning in Quebec as the best way to avoid any confusion resulting from a minority government.
Trudeau told a crowd in Hamilton Wednesday he’s campaigning for a majority.
“Am I asking them to vote for us across the country? Yes,” he said. “Am I asking them for a majority government? Yes.”
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University of Toronto Political Scientist Nelson Wiseman says Teneycke’s comments reflect the reality facing the Conservative camp.
“It’s a rare admission of an accurate reading of the scene and not straight spin,” he said. “Things are becoming clear as each day creeps more closely to Monday.”
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Sources tell Global News the mood at Conservative headquarters is grim, with the party’s internal polls showing even a minority could be out of reach.
Wiseman says a Saturday rally for Conservative leader Stephen Harper organized by former Toronto mayor Rob Ford and his brother Doug won’t help matters.
“Conservatives are showing signs of desperation,” he said. “These are people you’ve called losers and people whose lifestyle contradicts the lifestyles of those who you’re celebrating.”
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But polls have been wrong before. And the Conservatives are good at getting out of the vote, which translates into seats.
Former Tory strategist Tim Powers isn’t counting the party out. But he says the Conservatives need three or four “really good” days to catch up to the Liberals.
“Whether they can get 6 or 7 more percentage points before Monday is to be determined,” Powers said.
“So the game’s not lost for the Conservatives, but it’s not going well at the moment.”
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