SCOOP: PCs pick a heavyweight in Scarborough
Over in Liberal land: Who's who on Crombie's exploratory committee and Naqvi goes next level
Presented by Real North Strategies
ABOVE THE FOLD
And they’re off! Lots of action on the campaign front over the May Two-Four weekend: We’ve got the skinny on the PCs prizefighter in Scarborough and juicy details on the latest contenders for Grit captain.
First in Observer — GARY CRAWFORD is set to carry the PC banner in the as-yet-unannounced byelection in Scarborough—Guildwood.
Official word is expected as soon as this week, according to multiple sources. “I’ll probably have a bit more to say then,” the veteran Toronto city councillor told me when I rang him up on Saturday.
Unofficially: Crawford is a “big get” for the Tories, according to political insiders with ties to the riding. He’s represented neighbouring Scarborough Southwest since 2010, serves as budget chair, and is a close ally of Premier DOUG FORD, going back to their City Hall days.
What’s going for him: Name recognition, voter data, experience and manpower are all assets under Crawford’s belt — and that goes a …