02.12.2012 01:18 PM

Everything you need to know about the new Ont. PC president

  • Ciano’s firm was paid $389,890 in total by 39 federal Conservative campaigns in 2011 general election (The Hill Times, December 15, 2011)
  • Campaign Research used a push poll against Irwin Cotler in 2011, actions deemed “reprehensible” by Speaker of the House of Commons
  • His firm will likely be subject to investigation for “professional misconduct” by the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association after they received multiple complaints of ethics violations
  • Ciano’s company used unethical push polls against Liberals in 2007 and 2011
  • Denying involvement in the 2011 push poll, Ciano told CBC that the poll was “super-shady”, “breaking Canadian law”, and “raises serious legal and ethical issues” (The Globe and Mail, December 16, 2011; CBC News, April 14, 2011)
  • Campaign Research manipulated social media during Rob Ford’s campaign, and later bragged about it

16 Comments

  1. Just Call Me Rick says:

    Jeez, this guy is “squeaky” clean for a Conservative.

  2. Kre8tv says:

    I thought that name sounded familiar.

    Well I guess we know what kind of campaign it’s gonna be like.

  3. Matt says:

    Personally, I think one of the large parts (among many) of Hudak’s demise in the last election was his association with Ford as seen by Torontonians. What a bizarre choice to now have someone from that camp so formally entrenched. It is worth reminding folks of this… constantly.

  4. Ted B says:

    Good to flash in front of everyone, but remember the old adage: “When hunting for bear, don’t be distracted by rabit tracks.”

    It was a collosal mistake of the Stockwell Day campaign to focus on Warren Kinsella – to the point of creating a website attacking him – and showed how distractable and unfocused on the priorities of Canadians they really were.

    People like Ciano and Levant and Kouvalis and, no offence to anyone, Apps and Kinsella just are not important or relevant to anyone when it comes to who they are going to elect. As much as they can get under the skin of their opponents, spending too much time – any real time – focusing on them can be counter-productive. Part of their job is to get under the skin of their opponents and distract them from focusing on the real issues that can move votes.

    • Brian says:

      I agree. However, it’s a bit of a stretch to think that Ciano’s experience in the past won’t somehow influence Hudak’s experience in the future. For the worse, I suspect.

  5. Hoohah says:

    You forgot to mention he also knows how to win elections for conservatives. Even in Toronto. Even with candidates like Rob Ford.

    But I bet you knew that already, didn’t you.

  6. Mary Fitzpatrick says:

    according to the Toronto Star the PC establishment backed Snobelen, and he only got 27%, how did Hudak survive his leadership review with 78.7% ???

    wouldn’t the anti-establishment types support a leadership review?

    who did the outgoing president support?

    I can’t believe any party’s “establishment” could only muster 27%.

    • Ted B says:

      I can’t believe they are wooping it up when their LEADER gets only 78% support.

      Didn’t Joe Clark forced to call a leadership vote on only 76%?

      • Warren says:

        66 per cent I believe

        • Mary Fitzpatrick says:

          66.9% up from the previous vote of 66.7%. the old PC Party used to conduct reviews at any convention when they were not in power. when Clark didn’t reach 70% he called a leadership and subsequently resigned.

          still don’t understand how Snobelen only got 27% and Hudak 78.7%.

  7. Doug S says:

    Hey everyone! I’m an asshole!

  8. OPCsupporter says:

    Out of curiosity Mr. Kinsella, as an Ontario PC supporter but somebody who respects you as a political strategist, what do you think would be worse in terms of optics? The guy from campaign research? Or the guy who, for better or worse, is one of the most hated education ministers EVER?

    • Warren says:

      Your use of caps suggests you’re as fair as your new president!

      I know John and I admire him. We Libs were most concerned about him winning. That should tell you a thing or two.

Leave a Reply to Matt Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.