February 12, 2004
Copps-to-NDP watch
One of Sheila Copps's top aides has defected, though he denies his old boss will be coming with him:
Sheila Copps has lost her right-hand man to the NDP, but Ian Capstick denied today that the move is to pave the way for her.
"I'm working for the New Democratic caucus, and that caucus will not, I don't think . . . have Sheila Copps as a member," he said in an interview.
"She's going to win her (Liberal) nomination. She's going to remain a very strong and vocal member of the Liberal caucus.
"Sheila's got a lot of loyalty," said Capstick, who was legislative assistant and press aide to Copps. "But loyalty is a two-way street."
Capstick's defection is the latest development in an ugly battle for the nomination in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek between Copps and Transport Minister Tony Valeri.
Copps, who ran against Prime Minister Paul Martin for the Liberal leadership last year, has accused Martin's inner circle of trying to force her out of her riding.
Who wants to start a betting pool to pick the date Sheila finally jumps ship?
Update: Mike Duffy says Copps will bolt next week.
Posted by damian at February 12, 2004 09:04 PM