Quebec Election 2007: Update

It's a no-holds barred campaign, and things are just starting to get heated. This weekend, M. Dumont of the ADQ took shots at the Parti liberal, stating “We have not only had a bad government in Quebec but rather the worst government Quebec has ever seen in modern times” in front of a rally of 1000 in his hometown of Rivière-du-Loup. The opportunist also attacked M. Charest for his view of federalism, or lack thereof. "Mr. Charest has no demands for Quebec, there is no vision for improvement (of federalism)…. It is unprecedented. Never before has a Quebec Premier presented himself before Quebeckers with such a weak, pale, insignificant policy on the future of Quebec (within Canada)." With the ADQ's stock quickly rising in the polls and all indicators showing they could become kingmaker, M. Dumont's attack was solely against the Liberals.

Meanwhile, sensing the ADQ's growing support, M. Boisclair went on the offensive against M. Dumont over his position on immigrants and ethnic minorities, stating "“They would never want to live in a society where racism, intolerance, discrimination, sexism or homophobia ...” before pausing and placing his hand over his heart. The crowd, largely composed of minorities, burst into applause. After his composure was regained, he continued, "I hear Quebeckers everywhere who are worried, who see things change quickly and who are trying to find an anchor for their identity as Quebeckers...I hear demagogues tell them, `Follow me. I'll find you that anchor. Come with me and you'll be comforted...I am worried that things are skidding out of control. That big skid, it's Mario Dumont.”

Regardless of political affiliations, one cannot deny that the ADQ is quickly on the rise, for better for worse. I tend to think its for the latter. To this end, I don't stand alone.