2003 election campaign Dalton McGuinty

mcguinty s liberal s 2003 sweep of province. liberal seats won appear in shades of red.

the 2003 north america blackout gave eves increased exposure , rallied support party. called election after blackout, , polling showed previous liberal lead had narrowed tie in first week. rise in tory support short-lived. liberals took commanding lead in campaign s second week, , remained in position until election day.

voters regarded progressive conservative government unnecessarily confrontational , divisive, , of liberal party s strength based in promise change combative tone of government. progressive conservatives played strategy running series of negative advertisements against mcguinty throughout campaign. undercut own strategy accidentally distributing press release described mcguinty evil reptilian kitten-eater planet .

in contrast, liberal party s advertising remained positive, selling merits of changing governments , arguing preparedness office. mcguinty undertook series of choreographed events, including signing taxpayer protection pledge not raise taxes. appeared on popular sports show off record , received endorsement canadian idol winner ryan malcolm.

mcguinty able maintain party s standing in polls in last stages, preventing eves making ground during leader s debate. on election day, liberal elected majority government, winning 72 of ontario legislature s 103 seats. pc party fell 24 seats, while ndp lost official party status in legislature.

following election, mcguinty government asked former provincial auditor erik peters examine province s finances. peters revealed out-going progressive conservative government had left hidden deficit of @ least $5.6 billion. conservatives questioned peters s methodology, , suggested mcguinty government overstating province s financial difficulties break or delay of campaign spending promises.