Halftime Highlights

Two weeks into the campaign, two weeks to go, and tomorrow night's Leaders Debate in the middle. So far, the campaign looks like a draw: The Ispos-Reid numbers from last week mirror those at the drop of the writ on April 19. The NDP (39%) has gained negligible ground, but the Liberals (46%) haven't pulled away either. With 38% of Green (13%) voters admitting they could switch their vote on May 17, the swing ridings remain to close to call.

The NDP has benefited from the allegations of municipal officials being hoodwinked to donate to the Liberals. The Liberals are countering by accusing the NDP of getting free campaign signs from the BCGEU. These situations don't equate: The receipts that showed up at Town Hall in Kitimat and Fort St. John read "BC Liberal Party", where do the BCGEU campaign signs say 'New Democrats?' "Vote for Change" could mean the Green Party, Democratic Reform, Marijuana, Work Less: add 'change' to what the right wing considers "partisan" speech.

Tomorrow night, Gordon Campbell, Carole James, and Adrianne Carr will take to the airwaves in a stage-managed debate. I don't think the format will allow for the knockout blow that will push someone to victory, but it will provide the opportunity for James to provide a positive first impression to a significant portions of voters who have heard about her, but haven't heard her directly.