PC newcomer loses in Toronto Centre, but vows to fight again

The Liberal party’s reign continues in Toronto Central, but for the newcomer PC candidate it’s about the long haul.

The Liberal incumbent Glen Murray defeated Progressive Conservative Martin Abell in the provincial election, Thursday night, in Toronto Centre.

Murray garnered more than 23,000 votes; Cathy Crowe of the NDP polled 10,719; while Abell came third with 6,567 votes. Abell spoke with reporters at his post-election gathering.

“Phil Graham took three attempts to win this thing (and) George Smitherman took two or three,” he said. “You’ve got to earn the respect of Toronto Centre; you’ve certainly got to earn the votes.”

While Abell lost his bid for election, he said he wouldn’t have done anything differently.

“I don’t think I would change dramatically anything. We covered a lot of ground and met a lot of people,” he said.

Abell, a lifetime resident of Rosedale and advocate for the poor, said the reason he got into politics was the rising debt load and need for a responsible government.

“Those are the very same reasons that got me off the sidelines and active in politics. We’re concerned citizens and we can do better. We know we can do better. We can get Ontario to lead again,” he said.

Martin, a newcomer to politics, said the key to a future win is name recognition.

“I’m new… That name awareness just has to be built and earned,” he said

Martin was quick to congratulate his rival.

“I wished him well and thanked him for a good race and congratulated him for his win,” he said.

About this article

By: Matthew Wocks
Posted: Oct 7 2011 1:53 am
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Filed under: News Ontario Votes 2011
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