SCOOP: Grits declare electoral urgency

And meet Mississauga's new mayor

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First in Observer — CAMPAIGN CARTE BLANCHE — With rumours of an early election swirling, the Liberals are kicking their campaign prep into high gear.

I got my hands on a memo the party’s Nominations Commissioner STEVIE O’BRIEN sent to local riding association presidents triggering its “Electoral Urgency” rules.

That means the party can override certain procedures in its constitution in the name of campaign urgency — including quickly appointing candidates without the usual nomination contests or processes.

“There are no more rules now. They can do whatever they want,” explained one seasoned operative.

In her email, O’Brien says the party’s executive declared electoral urgency on Sunday at the behest of Leader BONNIE CROMBIE. O’Brien then asks the local riding presidents — who usually have a hand in helping vet candidates — to prepare their “draft nomination plans” posthaste.

Candidate slate incoming: “We will be publishing the final 2…