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Michael Taube: Avi Lewis may be next NDP leader, but his party will remain irrelevant

The NDP has almost no money in its war chest, has been devoid of tangible ideas and policies for years

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Most political observers believe that Avi Lewis will become the next federal NDP leader on March 29. It appears the far-left activist and former TV host/journalist may have also found a path to political success in Ottawa that his party could only dream of right now.

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A recent Mainstreet Research poll suggested that Lewis, if he became NDP leader, would have a legitimate shot of winning the federal Beaches-East York riding if it becomes vacant. The seat is currently held by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. He’s considering running for the Ontario Liberal leadership and the forthcoming Scarborough Southwest provincial by-election. If Erskine-Smith takes the provincial plunge and resigns his federal seat, Lewis would likely jump at the chance to become the riding’s next MP based on the poll’s findings.

Michael Taube: Avi Lewis may be next NDP leader, but his party will remain irrelevant Back to video

Mainstreet Research tested three ballot scenarios in Beaches-East York. Erskine-Smith easily won the first scenario with 67 per cent support. Rob Ashton, a lesser-known NDP leadership candidate, finished ahead of the Conservatives in the second scenario but well behind the Liberals (55 to 26 per cent). In the third scenario, Lewis earned 42.6 per........

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