By Yonatan Lew
Richard Mahoney’s long-time ambition to represent Ottawa Centre in the House of Commons has taken another step towards becoming a reality.
Mahoney trounced his two competitors by a 2-1 margin at a Liberal nomination meeting earlier this week.
Dr. Khaled Hashem, a dentist based in the Glebe, and Ken McMillan, a newcomer to politics, both arrived late to the race and were never considered a threat to the prominent Paul Martin supporter’s powerhouse campaign.
It was clear from the beginning Mahoney was the frontrunner to win the nomination. At no time was that more evident than on nomination night. His supporters, hundreds of them, packed the Adult High School auditorium on Rochester Street with signs, posters, pins and most importantly, votes.
Among his supporters, many were young, university-aged students, something a member of his campaign team attributed to Mahoney’s relative youth, his views and the fact that he’s “hip.” He’s 44, more than 20 years younger than Martin.
Martin’s presence was also felt at the nomination meeting as Mahoney referred to the incoming prime minister several times.
Mahoney is a former executive assistant to Martin and has been a backroom Liberal power for many years. He was an assistant to former prime minister John Turner as well as president of the national Liberal youth wing in the 1980s and president of the Ontario Liberal party from 1992-1995.
For a long time there have been rumours that should Mahoney be elected, he would be offered a cabinet position. Mahoney denied the rumour on nomination night.
“As (Martin) opens up Parliament and brings in some ability for MP’s to bring the voice of their constituents to the floor, there’s an opportunity to make a difference even if you’re not in cabinet,” he told reporters after the polls had opened. “I’d be lying to you if it wasn’t one day something I’d love to do, but that’s not my expectation.”
In his speech before voting started, Mahoney spoke clearly about the need for the Prime Minister’s Office to delegate more power to backbench MPs.
“We need to take decision making out of the hands of a select few, and put it back in the hands of the people and their elected representatives,” he said.
Mahoney also spoke on health care innovations, new deals for cities and immigration to the delight of the crowd who cheered wildly whenever he spoke.
Mahoney’s opponents, Hashem and McMillan, both gave impassioned speeches about the country. Hashem thanked the crowd in many different languages, and warned a shift away from traditional Liberal beliefs won’t bode well for the party.
After his loss, Hashem expressed concern that Mahoney’s victory meant more people will be drawn to the NDP.
“If (ethnic communities) are happy with the result tonight then we will see a Liberal candidate and if they are not happy with the result, then we might see the riding being taken by the NDP.”
Hashem’s campaign was run with a focus on his Lebanese background and his belief in the traditional views of the Liberal party.
Two join nomination races
Two other hopefuls have announced their intention to seek their parties’ nomination in Ottawa Centre.
David Chernushenko will try for the Green Party nomination, while Paul Dewar will contest the NDP nomination.
Chernushenko is a sustainable development consultant with a firm background in Ottawa Centre, having lived in the area for the past 11 years.
Chernushenko plans to support economic and social policies that stress healthy living.
The meeting to choose a candidate will be held on Dec. 22.
Dewar, son of former Ottawa mayor Marion Dewar, says he is running to protest Paul Martin’s “business Liberal” agenda. Dewar, a teacher and father of two, is not a stranger to politics, having worked on several campaigns, including many of his mother’s.
He says he hopes he can become a strong voice for neighbourhoods and communities.
The NDP will close its candidate nominations on Jan. 20.