Dan Mailer Campaign

Dan's final speech of the winter campaign

2006-01-31T13:50:00.000-05:00

"This is not a sad day.
This is democracy at work.
We've fought a long hard campaign.
And I have worked with a team that is second to none and I thank each and every one of you.
But today is not our day.

I will continue to work for London-Fanshawe and the next campaign begins now.
To those who supported me, I say thank you.
You have shown unwavering support and dedication.
This has touched my heart and you should be proud of yourselves.

IN the words of Ronald Reagan after losing the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford:
"I may be wounded but not slain
I'll lay me down and rest a while
and then fight again."

Thank you
God bless Canada
Merci

Watch Dan on Politics with Don Newman (link included)

2006-01-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

Click here to watch Dan Mailer on Don Newman's Politics from Friday morning!

The debate starts at approximately 14:00 into the program.

Dan's Opening & Closing Statements at Rogers' Televised Debate

2006-01-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen

Only 18 short years ago in 1988, Canadians went to the polls to decide either in favour of free trade, a policy proposed by Conservatives, or to choose the status quo under the Liberals, who fearfully predicted that free trade would spell the end of Canada as we know it. Fortunately, the nation supported the Conservatives and free trade ushered in an era of unprecedented prosperity in Canada.
In 1993, under a Liberal government, Paul Martin, a somewhat fiscally responsible finance minister earned the trust of many Canadians only to squander that trust once he became Prime Minister. Canada now has the highest taxes of the G7 nations, and we are lagging in many economic indicators. The federal budget has ballooned by 15% in the past year alone, as the Liberals went on 3 separate spending sprees to buy your votes. During their watch, crime on our streets has surged and patient wait times have doubled in the past 12 years. Liberals almost bankrupted the provinces and cities by cutting transfer payments by $25 billion dollars. Liberals undermined our faith in government by squandering hard earned tax dollars and oversaw a scandal of waste in Quebec in Adscam.
The Conservative party has strong policies directed at positive change. Stand up for real change in this election, and vote Conservative.
......
Voters in London-Fanshawe have a clear choice in this election. They can choose myself as the candidate in the moderate middle or they can choose Irene Matthysen on the far left or Glen Pearson, also on the left. Both of those candidates have stated in other all candidates meetings that they are for bigger government, delivering more services, regardless of the cost to you, the taxpayer. I believe in helping the poor, but I also believe in fiscal responsibility and maintaining and creating jobs. Vote Conservative!

Dan Heads Back to School...

2006-01-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

Dan headed to John Paul II Secondary School to help spread the vision of Positive Change for Londoners and all Canadians.

Another Reynolds & Mailer Photo

2006-01-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

John Reynolds visits Dan Mailer campaign office on Jan. 14th!

2006-01-16T00:17:00.000-05:00

As we approach the final week of the campaign, John Reynolds, Canada Conservative campaign co-chair visited the volunteers at Dans campaign office to rally the troops to keep up the good fight for the final stretch. Here is Dan with John Reynolds and Johns son, Christopher, a student at the University of Western Ontario.

A Fistful of Dans

2006-01-16T00:13:00.000-05:00

Dan shows off his sharp look with the Danmobile & Dan's billboard of Highbury Rd in the background.

VOTE MARRIAGE CANADA ENDORSES DAN MAILER

2006-01-13T03:13:00.000-05:00

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5th 2005
VOTE MARRIAGE CANADA ENDORSES THREE PRO-MARRIAGE CANDIDATES
LONDON, Ontario – Former Liberal and outgoing Independent Member of Parliament Pat O’Brien and former Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Grant Hill, P.C., announced, today, that Vote Marriage Canada endorses three pro-marriage candidates. Said Pat O’Brien, “On behalf of Vote Marriage Canada, Grant Hill and I are endorsing incumbent Liberal Paul Szabo of Mississauga South, Dan Mailer of London—Fanshawe, and former NDP and incumbent Independent Bev Desjarlais of Churchill. Each has taken a stand and given clear indication of supporting marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman in the next Parliament.” Vote Marriage Canada is carrying on a national campaign calling on the next Parliament to restore and to promote marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman. With B.C. Co-Chair Reed Elley, Atlantic Co-Chair Elsie Wayne, Quebec Co-Chair Louis DeSerres, Pat O’Brien and Grant Hill are calling on Parliament to recognize that marriage as the union of one man and one woman is the foundation of families and Canadian society. “The last Parliament and the Paul Martin Government were given no mandate to redefine marriage. Canadians know this, and some 55% want Parliament to reopen this issue.” Dr. Hill added.

-30-

For further information, please call: John Crowe (519) 641-9153.

Picture from Harper Rally in London - January 6th

2006-01-07T21:28:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of all the local candidates at the excellent rally here in London on Friday, January 6th

Pictures from Harper visit to London

2005-12-23T00:25:00.000-05:00

"The Man Who Needs No Introduction" with Joe Preston, MP

Left to Right (candidates & Leader), Dan, Al Gretzky (London West candidate), Stephen Harper, Joe Preston, MP

Pictures from Peter MacKay Visit!

2005-12-20T00:36:00.000-05:00

Dan & Peter MacKay (with Dave Winters as bodyguard)

Dan with Peter MacKay and John Mazzilli (candidate for London North-Centre)

Dan, Peter and David Hutchison (former Maple Leaf & now a Mailer supporter)

The Results are in: Mailer Cleans up in first debate! (plus Peter MacKay comes to town)

2005-12-20T00:28:00.000-05:00

Today was an exciting day for the London Fanshawe Conservative party campaign. I was scheduled for a two hour radio studio debate with my opponents , Liberal Glen Pearson and NDP Irene Mathyssen. I must admit that I had some butterflies before meeting them and AM 980 radio host, John Wilson. I was looking forward to some healthy debate and the chance to size up my opponents.
Butterflies are a rare sensation for me but I usually encounter them in new situations until I get my bearings. I used to have the same feeling before a hockey game on a team that lost only one game the entire year, so the butterflies were no reflection on my abilities or fears.
My feelings of butterflies however, soon transformed into confidence as the radio debate proceeded. I felt very comfortable and confident expounding the positions of our party and I honestly feel that on most issues, there is no question that we are on the right side.
Later in the day, Peter MacKay who I have met on 3 occasions now, came by the office and pumped up our team. About 50 of our volunteers showed up to greet Peter and he didn't disappoint. His youthful energy and solid grasp of issues that he clearly communicates, is inspiring. He left our office with us chomping at the bit and ready for battle!
I identify with Peter MacKay and I like him very much. We are both young and energetic and have Scottish roots. He had just finished speaking to students at Saunders High School before entering my office and confessed to having a "soft spot" in his heart for them. I feel likewise and will address the issue of students in a later blog.
A student from my former alma mata, Fanshawe College, called to interview me for 6X news. Its always a pleasure to speak to them.
Finally today, political scientist Sid Noel while appearing on the 6 o'clock A channel news, identified our riding as a close race and key hotspot, while the camera focussed on an "Elect Mailer" sign.
Its onwards and upwards for the Mailer team!

London Fanshawe Radio All Candidates Tomorrow: 10-11!

2005-12-19T01:27:00.000-05:00

The three candidates for London Fanshawe are on AM 980 tomorrow from 10-11am. Let's be sure to get lots of good questions in there to hold the liberals accountable and to give Dan a chance to help bring positive change to London Fanshawe!

~Posted by Compassionate Conservative

The Mailer Mobile Arrives!

2005-12-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

Now cruising around London, bring Positive Change for the people of London Fanshawe.... It's the Mailer Mobile (cute pic, eh?)

Links for Last Post

2005-12-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

The article just posted was by Clay Powell, Q.C. , titled "Sometimes you have to ask: Why go into politics?"

"The Londoner" can be found online at http://www.thelondoner.ca/

The article by Mr. Powell can be found at http://www.thelondoner.ca/edits/powell.htm

Londoner Article on the question: Why Go Into Politics & Is Politics too dirty?

2005-12-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you have to ask: Why go into politics?
Despite the common sense reasoning of some members, the majority of city council has crushed Ted the Mechanic’s dream for new boundaries in Ward 1. The status quo remains – the little guys lose again.
It makes me wonder why people want to get into politics.
The other day, I got an unwanted email from the national director of the Liberal Party of Canada, Steven MacKinnon. His message stated that “the opposition parties have conspired to defeat this government . . .”
You don’t have to be an expert in criminal law to know that a conspiracy is an agreement to do something unlawful, or to do a lawful thing by unlawful means. In other words, according to Mr. MacKinnon, the Conservatives, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois engaged in criminal conduct to defeat the Liberals.
On the other hand, Stephen Harper alleges that the Liberals were involved with organized crime during the sponsorship mess.
If you listen to these guys, you have to believe all these folks in Ottawa are crooks. So who would want to slog through the snow, bang on doors and spend a lot of money to get elected to this place of ill repute we know as the House of Commons?
I put that question to an old friend the other day. Dan Mailer, at 49, is a political novice and the Conservative candidate in the London Fanshawe riding. As a skillful trial lawyer and an accomplished musician, why would he want to join this unholy group?
“I’ve always dreamt I could do something for my country,” he told me. “I think I can make a difference.” I have no doubt he was speaking from the heart.
I asked Dan why he didn’t get into civic politics instead of seeking federal office. I told him Londoners are more concerned with policing, the state of their roads and snow removal than they are about national defense and softwood lumber.
Dan agreed local concerns are important, but said his goal has always been to serve the national interest. “I live in Fanshawe and I know that voters in the riding are concerned with what has been happening in Ottawa. Many have told me they feel it’s time for a change.”
The riding Dan seeks to represent is very large and diverse. The last representative, Liberal Pat O’Brien, had a falling out with his party over the same-sex marriage issue and is not seeking reelection. The Conservatives have tagged London Fanshawe as one of 20 Ontario ridings they might win on election day.
He’s got a tough fight on his hands. Paul Martin’s multi-billion dollar spending promises have attracted a lot of attention. And despite the dagger Buzz Hargrove shoved in Jack Layton’s back, the local NDP candidate is no pushover.
Once Christmas is over, I hope people will take enough interest to sit in some all-candidates’ meetings. I know I will. The local newspaper and TV ads often don’t present a true picture of what’s at stake in the election.
I was thinking of Dan’s upbeat mood when I walked over to Ted’s garage the other morning. He’s posted a sign on his door: ‘All Politicians Keep Out’.

John Tory visits London (London Free Press Story)

2005-12-11T18:23:00.000-05:00

John Tory was down to London this week to visit with the local candidates and help bring the message of positive change to Londonders.

Here's the London Free Press article:
http://www.lfpress.ca/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=115293&x=articles&s=elections

Dan with John Tory

2005-12-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

London Candidates yuck it up with John Tory

2005-12-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

Humorous but TRUE!! Voting in Canada/Voting in Iraq

2005-12-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

Oh, and the next time anyone complains about having to vote in the winter time.... remind them that some people go through MUCH worse to mark that ballot...

-designer/artist unknown
source: FreeDominion.ca

Conservatives vault strongly out of election starting gate both nationally and locally

2005-12-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been only 3 days since the election call was made and the Conservative party has started the race as a very strong if not the strongest contender. Harper has stolen the "hidden agenda" mantra of opponents devoid of any real ideas, by taking a strong position in favour of traditional marriage. Today he followed up with an announcement that he intends to lower the much hated GST from 7% to 6% and then 5%. Some economists may not be thrilled but consumers sure like the idea. At this stage, even the CBC admits that we are clearly driving the election agenda.
The Liberals on the other hand may be waiting for Santa to deliver some ideas because so far, there is no evidence that they have anything new except to play the fear card regarding Quebec separation. Great move for Canada, Paul!And Jack Layton is playing the Grinch by discouraging you from shopping at Walmart. Wow! Theres a great election plank!
On the local level, we had a campaign team meeting tonight and I am so impressed with this team of 13 men and women and 82 volunteers, that I have to pinch myself to believe that its real. The NDP candidate embarrased herself in the Free Press today by brushing us off...we are shaping up to become her worst political nightmare!

Cold weather door knocking tips!

2005-11-28T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have spent the last couple of weekends knocking on doors with very able assistants (Annemarie and Al Chioda) and I am pleased to say that the receptions at the doors were very positive. People were commenting often "Just glad you aren't Liberal!). People seem hungry and ready for a change in government.

The biggest challenge at this time of year will be dealing with the cold and wet nasty weather so here are some tips:

1. Wear layers of clothing and don't dress too warm as you will generate heat as you walk. You don't want to work up a big sweat and get chilled.

2. Wear something with a hood that slip on and off easily so that you can keep warm but expose your face when you get to the door...this is friendly. ( A hat is already as well)

3. Wear gloves that slip on and off easily. That way if you shake a hand, your hand is warm and you will need to be able to remove your gloves to handle brochures etc.

4. Wear waterproof boots with a deep tread to keep the dogs warm and avoid slipping and falling. Some drives and sideways were treacherous on Sunday.

5. Take Kleenex! The nose drips in cold weather and you don't want to gross out people you meet for the first time!

6. Take some chocolate along for energy and eat a decent meal before you leave.

7. Have a small satchel or something to carry your brochures with you to protect them from the elements as you walk. A soggy brochure is a turn off!

8. Have some hot chocolate or warm soup as soon as you finish to warm up! We need strong and healthy volunteers!

9 Smile like you are on the winning team since, well, we are on the winning team! Happy campaigning!

Paul Martin hand picks Liberal Opponent in London Fanshawe!

2005-11-18T00:07:00.000-05:00

It's official now. Our Liberal opponent in London Fanshawe in the upcoming federal election will be Glen Pearson, a resident of London West who is a social activist and firefighter. (I reside in London-Fanshawe by the way).
On September 10th, 2005, the London Free Press reported that Pearson wasn't interested in the job despite being asked by Paul Martin to run. At the same time, a local lawyer, Steve Ross was selling memberships and was seeking the nomination. Nomination meetings are considered the most democratic method by which to select candidates in Canada. It was reported in the London Free Press on November 17th, 2005 , that Ross had decided to bow out of the nomination race which effectively allowed Pearson to be "anointed and appointed". Rumour has it that Ross had been the object of some considerable pressure from the PM's office to step aside. If this is true, then this is shameful. Not only does it make the Prime Minister and the Liberal party appear elitist (again) but the move undermines democracy and harms the Liberal candidate.

Dan Mailer

This Saturday - Music & Politics: What Could Be Better?

2005-11-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

I am speaking to some seniors on Saturday night at 450 Sandringham and in addition to speaking to them about their concerns, I also intend to play three Bob Dylan songs for them, harmonica, guitar and all. I was greatly inspired by the recent documentary on Bob Dylan "No direction home" and I think the three songs will speak to the people. Hey, if Bill Clinton can play sax and still get elected President, I don't think this can harm me at all. Music is a great way to connect with people and the songs are socially and politically relevant.

A Christmas Election?

2005-11-14T22:38:00.000-05:00

If Canadians are required to go to the polls on December 20th, let's all try to look at the positive side. Let's remind ourselves that in a democracy, the right to vote is not just a right and a priviledge but it is our duty as citizens. Can it be inconvenient? Perhaps? But last time I voted federally, I think that it took about 10 whole minutes out of my schedule. Is that too large a commitment to ask?
Just remember, that one more day with the Liberals running the government in Ottawa is like one more day without sunshine. They have already squandered 75% of an unexpected $40 billion dollar budget surplus. A December vote will hopefully bring a timely end to a government that is spending like a drunken sailor on shore leave trying to buy support for itself as it gasps its last breath. Good riddance I say and let me exercise my right and duty to cast my vote!