Penashue took the blame for the breaking of the rules while at the same time sticking to his story that it was his inexperienced campaign manager who made the rule-bending decisions on fundraising.
The former federal minister also made it quickly clear that he would be running in the byelection when it is finally called.
That announcement could be left to the last possible day in hopes that the electorate would have time to forget Penashue’s problems with Elections Canada.
Only a politician would have the gall to break the rules in an election campaign, quit and cause thousands of dollars to be spent on a byelection ... and then expect voters would put him right back in his seat in Ottawa.
Let’s hope the good people of Labrador are wiser than that.
Penashue may have received the support of the prime minister for his renewed attempt at re-election but the voters of Labrador should send a clear message to all politicians who flaunt the rules.
This whole sordid incident has already given Canada a black eye when it comes to being seen as defenders of democracy.
This country sends representatives all over the world as observers of elections in troubled parts the globe and these sorts of incidents make it look like we can’t manage to conduct a fair election ourselves.
Penashue has been trying as best he could to stay in office in the face of mounting evidence that his campaign succeeded because of unfair tactics. That was clear and still he stayed in the federal cabinet and collected his salary while hoping the issue would fade away and he could finish out his term.
That didn’t happen but it was no thanks to Penashue or the primer minister who let him stay at the cabinet table.
Where is the honour in all this?
