Allegations of sexual assault leveled at Conservative candidate -- from Liberal campaign HQ! [Updates]
Liberal candidate Chris Axworthy
Officially Screwed has lead on this story.
"Officially screwed" might also be the term for Liberal candidate Chris Axworthy if this turns out to be malicious slander:
I just heard on CFRA that a huge breaking story is hitting the wires about a televised debate on the Shaw Cable network for the riding of Saskatoon-Wanuskewin.
During the debate, a caller called in and accused Conservative Candidate Maurice Vellacott of sexual assault on a church secretary.
When they tracked the number back, they came up with the Liberal campaign headquarters of Chris Axworthy.
So a Conservative candidate is being interviewed live, no delay, and someone from within the Liberal campaign headquarters for the riding calls in to accuse that candidate of sexual assault?
We'll see how far this develops. On the lookout for confirmation.
Update: An official press release
OTTAWA - Tuesday night on Shaw Cable, a caller phoned in falsely accusing front-runner Conservative incumbent MP Maurice Vellacott of sexually assaulting his church secretary at North Park Church. The technicians who have no 7 second delay cut the call off. Vellacott responded quickly by looking directly into the camera, stating to the technicians that he needed to get the name and phone number of that caller for defamation proceedings.
After the cable show ended, Vellacott was handed the requested phone number by Shaw Cable producer Gracie Field. Upon arrival back at his campaign office he was told that a person had reported in and was 100% confident that it was the voice of George Laliberte. The caller maliciously and falsely accused Vellacott of being "removed from North Park Church because you were charged with sexual assault" on his church secretary. Laliberte is a friend of Chris Axworthy's and apparently owes Axworthy some favours. When the 1-306-956-2570 number provided by the Shaw Cable staff member was dialed, it was found to be Chris Axworthy's campaign office phone number. At that time Laliberte could not be reached at his home number of 1-306-683-3650.
Vellacott has never been accused by any woman of sexual assault and was never a Pastor at North Park Church or ever in attendance there. Bishop Jerold Gliege former long-term Pastor of North Park Church and now of Holy Covenant Orthodox Church, confirms that Vellacott never served there (home 306-664-2808; Church 652-3339). Gliege says, "Vellacott is an upstanding, honourable man who has served this Saskatoon-Wanuskewin constituency very diligently. He is a courageous person and has been an effective representative for this riding on a whole range of issues. He has a big heart for people and stands up for seniors, the vulnerable and the underdog. Because he is an articulate defender of life, marriage and family, he is the target of attacks by those who have differing views."
It appears that Axworthy endorses spreading lies and attempted character assassination. Vellacott says this is typical of nation-wide sleazy Liberal tactics in the dying days of their desperate campaign. After this kind of evil tactic, Vellacott predicts that Axworthy will be damaged irreparably and unable to pursue public office again in this province.
Vellacott challenges Paul Martin to distance himself from Axworthy and such sleazy, corrupt, dishonest actions so typical of the Liberal Party across the country over the last number of years.
Furthermore, Vellacott says Ralph Goodale has now shown himself not only to be less than forthcoming on the income trust scandal but also a poor judge of character when he recently made a spurious reference to Vellacott when he spoke of Saskatoon-Wanuskewin needing representation "by a person of class and quality like Chris Axworthy (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, January 10, 2006, page A4)." Some class and some quality! Vellacott says that in view of these sleazy tactics those individuals who signed Axworthy's nomination papers should disassociate from Axworthy. The names of Axworthy's nominators for this election are on record at the Saskatoon-Wanuskewin Electoral Office at 275 First Avenue North and can be scrutinized by any member of the public between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm.
Previously Axworthy's campaign was exposed as being associated with a website that misleads, perverts and maliciously rips things out of context. Eric Hovius the originator of the website at first denied being at Axworthy's office, but when caught in a lie by StarPhoenix reporter Darren Bernhardt, he acknowledged that he knows Axworthy and has spent time at Axworthy's office. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Jan. 14, 2006)
Vellacott is expecting election day to be a vindication of his hard work on behalf of his constituents in Saskatoon-Wanuskewin.
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Comments
Hit every major blog and NealeNews already.
Posted by: john g at January 19, 2006 01:24 PM
Just when you think they couldnt possibly sink any lower...
Posted by: Curtis at January 19, 2006 01:30 PM
Don't forget, according to the Liberals, this election is about values. The Liberals have none.
Posted by: TimR at January 19, 2006 01:36 PM
FYI: CTV Newsnwt just broke this as a "Top Story" in development. The Liberals are desperate... make that suicidal.
Posted by: Matt at January 19, 2006 02:34 PM
They're now toast. Kim Campbell toast.
I cant see them keeping more than a handfull of seats. Maybe the NDP can get seats in Quebec too... (I mean not everyone who supported the liberals this long will vote conservative now)
A strong conservative majority...
Posted by: Curtis at January 19, 2006 02:44 PM
great work you guys. remember this election is about nothing more than kyoto these liberals are so desperate because when this scam is exposed there will be heads rolling this thing is the biggest financial heist ever dr. evil is waiting in china for number 2 to win but with some luck the side of good will prevail. i know e. jack u layton will be pissed but who better to piss off than a commie
Posted by: bartinsky at January 19, 2006 02:50 PM
Guys, this means nothing to the public. Perhaps 1% cares. Sad but true. Note that the opinion polls are not moving anywhere (at least the average seems stable).
My election prediction (with or without any more scandals):
CPC 120
LIB 105
BLC 60
NDP 23
Again, sad but true.
Posted by: Johan i Kanada at January 19, 2006 03:00 PM
Not only are the liberals desperate, they are utterly STUPID! Did they not think the call could be traced?? Unbelievable, but not so if you look at their overall campaign!
Posted by: Kelly at January 19, 2006 03:33 PM
Ah...
These numbers look a little more believable...
CPC 168
NDP 70
BLC 55
GRN 8
LIB 7
Just saw the Harper speech from Kitchener, that was as close to a barn burner yet..!
Harper made a joke about Martin and Hargrove, campaining like Blockheads, the laughter almost brought the house down..
I'm starting to think and feel a conservative land slide comming on.
Posted by: William Wylie Ajax,Ont. at January 19, 2006 03:36 PM
I cant see the Green Party winning seats...I really cant...
The NDP could well get 50+ seats, that would be a massive break thru for them.
As much as I hate to say it... I think the liberals will get some seats in atlantic canada... Montreal area, and toronto... maybe 30 ish?
Posted by: Curtis at January 19, 2006 03:48 PM
CTV NewsNet carried the story in passing, noting that the Axworthy campaign has not returned any of four phone calls as yet, but that the national Liberal campaign is playing this as a "local issue".
Apparently, the Liberals are happy to suggest that unproven accusations of smuggling are a national issue (and Harper was right to announce that candidate will not sit as a Conservative until the matter is cleared). That unproven accusations of bribery are a national issue (and Martin was quick to announce that candidate will not sit as a Liberal).
But that these accusations, emanating from within the Liberal campaign office, are not of interest to Canadians.
Shame on all the Liberals for the implicit suggestion that such behaviour is acceptable in their Party!
Posted by: Paul O at January 19, 2006 04:07 PM
No, no..the final numbers are..
140
83
60
25
0
However, it will be a remarkably stable minority government. NDP and Lib will barely add up to 100..plus the Liberals will need to fight it out for a new leader. And do you think Duceppe will want to go back to the polls with an inspired new Federalist party ready to snap up votes and steal Bloc momentum and seats before the Quebec provincial election? Not a chance. Duceppe wants nothing to do with another election until after Quebec's.
A minority CPC government is good for at least two years..if not three.
Posted by: JL at January 19, 2006 04:11 PM
The only seats the Green Party will be picking up on election night will the folding chairs set up at their election night coverage headquarters.
Posted by: Pete at January 19, 2006 04:11 PM
Unfortunately for Paul Martin, he is now headed for what appears to be political "Berlin Bunker" territory.
The voters will be shortly appearing with their "katusha rockets" of ballots.
Posted by: Hans Rupprecht at January 19, 2006 04:27 PM
Dear Friends
I would deeply appreciate your kindness if anyone can idenfify this unknown hotmail, which was sent to me! I believe he or she must be one of the Liberals candidates for the upcoming election.
I criticized rationally the policies of the Liberal party and sent it to the candidates of the Liberal party.
And this is one email from one of the Liberals , who claims support for the Charter of Rights and Freedom!
From: "J. T." Add to Address Book
To: and57dna@yahoo.ca
Subject: YOU ARE A NUT
Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 19:58:31 -0500
You are a babbling idiot. Stop!
Because this email shows the lack of civility by this candidate from the Liberal party, I hope one of you help me to identify this person.
I thank you in advance.
Yours sincerely,
A. Diba, PhD
Posted by: Abbas Diba at January 19, 2006 04:31 PM
Dear Friends
I would deeply appreciate your kindness if anyone can idenfify this unknown hotmail, which was sent to me! I believe he or she must be one of the Liberals candidates for the upcoming election.
I criticized rationally the policies of the Liberal party and sent it to the candidates of the Liberal party.
And this is one email from one of the Liberals , who claims support for the Charter of Rights and Freedom!
From: "J. T."
From: "J. T." Add to Address Book
To: and57dna@yahoo.ca
Subject: YOU ARE A NUT
Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 19:58:31 -0500
You are a babbling idiot. Stop!
Because this email shows the lack of civility by this candidate from the Liberal party, I hope one of you help me to identify this person.
I thank you in advance.
Yours sincerely,
A. Diba, PhD
Posted by: Abbas Diba at January 19, 2006 04:34 PM
"George Laliberte. The caller maliciously and falsely accused Vellacott of being "removed from North Park Church because you were charged with sexual assault" on his church secretary. Laliberte is a friend of Chris Axworthy's and apparently owes Axworthy some favours. When the 1-306-956-2570 number provided by the Shaw Cable staff member was dialed, it was found to be Chris Axworthy's campaign office phone number."
If you dial the number...
---YOU TOO can LEAVE A MESSAGE....
and tell them what you think!!!! enjoy
Posted by: eastern paul at January 19, 2006 07:19 PM
Maurice Vellacott is being interviewed on CFRB 1010 Toronto at this very moment. You can hear it on the web on www.cfrb.com
Posted by: Peter at January 19, 2006 08:18 PM
I get the feeling that the only reason we haven't seen goons with red sashes intimidating candidates yet, is that we live in a stable democracy. Ballot box rigging, and ignition switch fireworks would be next. Seriously, this is no longer funny. Even Baghdad Ali sounded more rational than PMPM and some of the Liberal heads sound right now. It's as if every school yard bully sociopath you ever knew joined the liberal campaign. The only thing they regret is getting caught.
Posted by: Debris Trail at January 19, 2006 08:28 PM
I called Maurice's office earlier today and spoke to another gentleman for a few minutes. Maurice took the time to call me back this evening (Before his CFRB interview). That takes some class. He didn't know me from Adam when I called, yet took the time to call me back himself.
Shaw Cable also confirmed to me (And the StarPhoenix) that the number given to Vellacott was in fact the same number on his press release.
Saskatoon Star Tribune has it on their site as does another Canada.com affiliate the Regina Leader-Post. (links are on bourque's newswire for those papers)
Posted by: TrustOnlyMulder at January 19, 2006 08:56 PM
All three Regina TV stations carried the story on their supppertime news, so it's all over southern Saskatchewan now.
RJM
Posted by: RJM at January 19, 2006 09:01 PM
Dirty tricks are not done, I think. From trying to smear Vellacott, actually endorsing Oliver when they said they would not ( quietly of course, as the PM said he would not be able to run and 'distanced' himself from him using Harper's words almost verbatim.)
What I am leery of is the kind of dirty tricks they pull under the radar..such as was pulled out in BC where lib operatives went around signing up people as 'new liberal members' at 10 bucks a head. Even those who could not sign a membership card because they are six feet under!
This was exposed but no ridings have ever been challenged. If the balloting is off wildly on election night... look for that kind of underhanded trick.
The dems in the US are now in court for intimidation and abuse right now. They never learn because many times they get away with it!
Posted by: Snowbunnie at January 19, 2006 10:20 PM
I watched Global, Global National and CBC National, and I didn't hear a word uttered about this "dirty play".
The only mention of it that I seen was on the little banner that crosses the bottom of the screen on CBC.
Posted by: Rottigirl at January 19, 2006 11:29 PM
CBC finally ran a web story essentially framed as an Axworthy apology at 11:30 pm about 13 hours after it knew and went to interview Vellacott.
They apparently just forgot to file it for the important news cycles. Hey it happens. Busy political news day in Saskatoon. I think Jack was nearby.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canadavotes2006/national/2006/01/19/vellacott060119.html
Posted by: John not G at January 20, 2006 12:00 AM
Just saw pretty good coverage of this story tonight at 10p EST on The National.
Yeah, yeah... I know. I was WATCHING THE CBC. J'accuse. I didn't want to miss Harper's interview with Mansbridge, later in the show (more on this later).
The piece on the would-be Vellacott smear made the libs look pretty sleazy (well, liberal sleaziness is more or less based on a sliding scale, so maybe with another crew this would have looked utterly damning, I dunno). It should turn the stomachs of a few liberal fence-sitters, I hope. As cliche as it sounds, just when you think the libs can't stoop any lower, THIS thing crops up. I hope all of Canada is paying attention.
Harper ROCKED on the extended portion of the National, though. Nobody - NOBODY - could faze him. And I'm not just saying this as propaganda or in a "whistling past the graveyard" fashion (viz. Paul Martin's claims today that he expects a "winning liberal turnaround"). Even had I disliked the man, I'd have given Harper the nod tonight.
Mansbridge stated the audience was made up of a "representative group of Canadians". Oh, yeah. I've NEVER seen such a bunch of sour, hatchet-faced people in my life as that bunch on TV tonight. If there was a Conservative in the crowd, they probably faked stomach cramps to blend in with the rest of the liberals & Dippers. The camera panned through the crowd, periodically, and everyone (EVERYONE) wore either a frown, or thinly disguised moue of distaste. I wondered if perhaps they weren't simultaneously watching an autopsy or a bootleg copy of "Hostel" on closed-circuit.
Harper was great, though. Some of the audience tried their best to trip him on what they obviously felt were their "killer questions". Pah! In tennis terms, the audience's "stumpers" were piddling little lobs that Harper volleyed back at them with such efficiency and speed that most of 'em looked bewildered after he'd answered them. To wit, in many cases, Mansbridge had to practically direct the audience member to sit down so he could move on, as the questioner wasn't sure whether or not they were through.
They were through, all right. Point, set and match.
Harper did this with a smile, and never once became animated or excited (let alone stumped for a response), unlike, say, another major party leader who's been questioned this week.
Anybody who watched this interview (unrehearsed, too: Harper had NO idea of what the questions would be) has to give Harper his due, unless they are basically in a liberal-induced coma.
He really looked like somebody who could lead this country, and bring some respect back to parliament, and to Canada too, on the world stage.
For those who missed the interview, CBC will reply ALL the leadership interviews this Saturday from 2-5 EST, I believe.
mhb23re
(email is above username at Google webmail service)
Posted by: MHB at January 20, 2006 12:17 AM
I saw stephen to-night as well and concur with MHB. It is pretty obvious that an attempt to do Harper in was in the works. The questions were all on items the libs think will scare the voters back to their fold. Harper turned lemons into lemonade and was lucid and engaging while doing it.
Posted by: gotabrain at January 20, 2006 12:32 AM
 
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