Sewing up the so-cons

That’s why to win their loyalty a Conservative politician doesn’t have to agree with social conservatives, he or she merely needs to respect them, to value them as members of the conservative family.

The last such time I was contacted for advice occurred in the winter of 2002 when Stephen Harper, who was in a tough leadership race, phoned me with a pretty basic question: 'What,' he asked, 'should I do about the social conservatives?'The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY GERRY NICHOLLS

October 10, 2016

OAKVILLE, ONT.—Before he became prime minister, Stephen Harper would sometimes call me up, out of the blue, for tactical communication advice. I know, sounds crazy, right? But keep in mind, Harper and I once worked closely together at the National Citizens Coalition, and when he left that group ...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy