The Con Leadership Race and the Religious Fanatics

When I wrote a post about the sad state of the Harper Party's leadership race the other day, and ran a group photo of the sorry losers that contest has so far attracted.

I forgot to say that with the departure of Jason Kenney, there will be at least one more candidate.

The candidate of the Con's rabid religious base.



And sure enough as John Ivison reports, the social conservatives are mobilizing to make sure one of their own is appointed or anointed leader. 

Johanne Brownrigg, head of public affairs at Campaign Life Coalition, said her organization is waiting for more candidates to come forward before endorsing a leadership hopeful, but said anecdotal evidence suggests 30 to 40 per cent of the Conservative base is pro-life and highly motivated to vote for a candidate who opposes abortion.

Not only will the CLC endorse a candidate, Brownrigg said it may campaign actively against anyone considered “detrimental” to the cause.

And since they are such a big voting bloc in the shrunken Harper Party, and are already threatening any candidates who dare oppose them.

I suppose we shouldn't be surprised that Tony Clement has found Jesus...



Brownrigg says she has heard Clement has been describing himself as “born again.” “I take him at his word,” she said.

Clement told the Post he started attending a non-denominational church, the Harvest Church, two years ago. 

 "I was historically attached to the United Church but dropped off about 10 years ago. I was going through some faith issues and through a series of events I came to a strong belief in my faith. It’s a big part of my life — it has centred me and how I want to live my life,” he said.

No doubt to try to make up for the sin of building false gazebos. And to try to change this light to green from satanic red.

And neither should we be surprised that Andrew Scheer is now the hallowed candidate of the Con's religious base...



And that the Con MP Garnett Genuis is trying to start a draft Scheer movement.

With both the Conservative and New Democratic parties heading into federal leadership campaigns, this may not stay true for long, but generally speaking in politics, it isn’t every day you get to see a draft-so-and-so movement at its inception.

Which is why the email from Conservative MP Garnett Genuis was notable. 

Genuis sent up a flare to supporters Tuesday with the subject heading “Our next Prime Minister,” promoting the idea of a bid ahead of a visit by opposition house leader and former House of Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer to Genuis’ Alberta riding of Sherwood Park.

Because Genuis is also a social conservative, and Scheer is the real deal. 

The one who was known as the robospeaker for the way he served his lord and his earthly master Stephen Harper...



And who is now paying homage to Jesus Kenney...


Because he knows that it is Kenney who will determine who his religious base should support.

And the good news?

As John Ivison points out, it will be hard for the Cons to serve two masters.

Politics is a delicate business, and rarely more so than when trying to satisfy both movement conservatives and the moderates who determine general elections.

They will not be able to expand their support as long as that religious base holds sway in the party.

And yes, it is another example of Stephen Harper's legacy. 

He depended for so long on those unholy fanatics for money and support, now the Cons can't afford to lose them.

So instead of leading that party to the promised land.

He has led them all the way to the gates of Hell...



And really what more can one say?

Except the Lord works in mysterious ways.

And burn baby burn...

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