If the rest of the province didn't know much about B.C. Green Party leader Adriane Carr before Tuesday night's leaders' debate, they sure do now.
Carr, also a candidate in our riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast, put on a fine performance. Standing at her podium smack between Liberal leader Premier Gordon Campbell and NDP leader Carol James, Carr had the ability to engage both candidates. She was articulate and displayed common sense - something many people in this riding have seen from Carr on many occasions.
James also did a good job, although she was short on her specifics of what the NDP government would do if they were elected. James also got into several verbal sparring sessions with Campbell that at times detracted from her message.
Campbell, who chose to stay away from the attacks, appeared aloof at times, allowing James and Carr to gang up on him on some issues. He took the defensive position on several issues but offered a solid defence of the Liberal record.
As for Campbell, he didn't win the debate, but he didn't do anything damaging either.
As debates go, it was a pretty good hour of television. There were no clear knockout blows, but Carr and James clearly helped their cause.
A lot of people in this province didn't know much about either candidate before the debate, but both leaders stepped up to the plate and put on a good show.
As for Carr, she is the clear underdog in this election. But her showing on Tuesday may give voters something to think about when they cast their ballots on May 17.
Now that the leaders' debate is over, Carr will be burning up the campaign trail in our riding.
A debate was held in Roberts Creek last night (May 5), while two more are slated for Sechelt and Gibsons on May 10 and 15 respectively.
These nights offer voters in this riding an opportunity to voice concerns and pin down candidates Carr, Nicholas Simons (NDP) and Maureen Clayton (Liberal), on the issues that affect this riding.
Be sure to be part of the discussion. Be informed and vote on May 17.
