Ignatieff conjures up era of Munro, Copps in political vision for Hamilton
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/ar...n-for-hamilton
Marie Bountrogianni is being tasked to rebuild the Liberal party brand in Hamilton.
Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff compared her to Liberal stalwarts John Munro and Sheila Copps in formally announcing her candidacy for Hamilton Mountain Monday
About 200 people attended the announcement at the Carpenter’s Union Hall on Stone Church Road East. This included Michelle Stockwell, the party’s only nominated candidate for Hamilton. She is carrying the Liberal banner in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.
“Hamilton has such a great Liberal tradition,” Ignatieff said in introducing Bountrogianni. “We’ve had John Munro and Sheila Copps. All were great leaders who have served Hamilton and we’ve got another about to step up.”
Bountrogianni told the gathering she was “humbled” by the comparison with Munro and Copps, but said she will be part of a team running for the Liberals in the next election.
Munro held the old riding of Hamilton East from 1962-1984. Copps held the riding between 1984 and 2004. Both served as Liberal cabinet ministers, with Copps serving a spell as deputy prime minister.
Hamilton Mountain has been held since the 2006 election by New Democrat Chris Charlton.
The Conservative candidate is former city councillor Terry Anderson.
Ignatieff is on an 11-day tour of the 20 “most winnable” ridings for the Liberals. The ridings are all held by the Conservatives, New Democrats or Bloc Quebecois.