Outspoken ex-Tory MP throws political weight behind Cummins

  Monday, 15 October 2012 02:00 DARREN HANDSCHUH Kelowna Daily Courier
He may be under fire from members of his own party, but BC Conservative Leader John Cummins has one political veteran solidly in his corner.  Former Reform and Conservative MP Darrel Stinson gave a rousing endorsement to the embattled provincial leader before a town hall meeting Saturday in Vernon.  "I support them (BC Conservatives) 100 per cent," said Stinson who served more than a decade in Parliament. "I worked with him for 13 years in Ottawa." Stinson said he was at the meeting to show his personal support for the revitalized party that is trying to make inroads into the provincial political landscape. "It's a lot like the Reform Party when it started out," said Stinson, adding members are encouraged to stand up for their constituents even if it means going against the party line. "In fact, if my health was better, I would be running."

Cummins once again downplayed the dissensions in the ranks, pointing out the people had spoken.
He said 70 per cent of the party members voted to keep him on as party leader. "The majority have spoken. That's democracy," said Cummins, adding there are a "select few people" who are stirring the pot. "These people are still upset. "What can you say? The impact is probably greater in the Lower Mainland than anywhere else." The Vernon riding had only one name thrown into the ring to hoist the BC Conservative flag in the upcoming May election. Scott Anderson was acclaimed Saturday morning. Salmon Arm has three contenders, one of which will be selected next weekend. Cummins said it is not the number of candidates that is important. "At the end of the day it is the quality of candidate that counts," said Cummins. Anderson, who unsuccessfully ran for a seat on Vernon city council in the last municipal election, has been around politics since the 1990s and he sees the BC Conservatives as a party of change. Anderson echoed what many have said about the NDP being in bed with unions and other organizations and the Liberals are too elitist for the everyday citizen. "We need somebody to stand up for the little guy," said Anderson. Anderson added the BCC is "not going for the far right. We're going for the middle, the little guy." By May, Anderson said he hopes to have knocked on "every door in the riding."