26 May Backhanded compliment of the day

In a debate just concluded on CBC Cape Breton, NDP candidate Fraser Patterson noted that Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain is the only member one of only two [*] Conservative MLAs never named to cabinet.

“In my opinion, that’s just another sign of Rodney’s bad judgment,” he said.

“Sounds like an endorsement,” said host Steve Sutherland.

“I’ve known Keith all my life,” said Patterson. “We’re neighbors.”

In fact, all three major party candidates in Victoria the Lakes are from the same municipal district on Boularderie Island.

Victoria-The Lakes, which is also contrarian‘s home turf, is the only Cape Breton riding obviously at play in the June 9 vote. Patterson was simply acknowledging the widespread community respect for Bain, a former storekeeper, longtime school board member, and Big Bras d’Or Fire Chief.

But it’s a naturally Liberal riding, where former MLA Gerald Sampson is working furiously to get his old seat back.  The one-term MLA can be his own worst enemy; on the morning after his loss in 2006, he excoriated voters as “liars” on the same CBC Radio program.

One sleeper issue in the campaign: A pension is at stake for both Bain, 56, and Sampson, 67. Eligibility for the members’ pension kicks in after two election victories and five years’ service. Whoever wins will likely qualify. (As a school teacher, Patterson, 57, is assured of a pension.)

Had the Liberals chosen Chris MacInnis of North Shore as their standard-bearer Bain would be a goner. As it is, it’s a riding to watch on June 9.

[* Correction: Chuck Porter (PC-Hants West)  never made Cabinet.  Thanks AS.]