The Battle for Vaughan... There's a lot on the line!

Who will win the battle for Vaughan in the November 29 election?

The Liberals have Tony Genco running against Julian Fantino for the Conservatives.

Fantino appears to be the favourite - after all he was Ontario's top cop and a household name to most in Ontario.  He is well recognized amongst the Italian community, although I don't think I would say he has "favourite son status".

So is Fantino a shoo-in? I would say no for the following reasons...

• Fantino has name recognition but maybe not in a good way. He does things his way and does not take direction well from others
• He is a cop...not a politician...is he Garth Turner with a badge? A rebel with a cause? Look out in the debates...cause if he gets pissed off you better run for cover!
• The Vaughan community has elected a Liberal MP for the past 23 years. They have elected a Liberal MPP most of that time as well...will they switch teams for Fantino? 
• Fantino is 68. This may be his only term. How will he hold up during the frantic pace of a by-election?
• Can he run on the Harper record?  (their economic record is not much to brag about...these guys had to be dragged to the edge to realize there was a recession!) It would be interesting to see how he defends the record - and if he will.

So can Genco win? I say maybe.

• He's young and may hold up better to the rigors of a campaign.
• He's Italian - this never hurts in Vaughan.
• He has some name recognition - as the former CEO of Downsview Park and a board member of the hospital. 
• He has the help of Greg Sorbara...the Vaughan MPP is a popular player in this town.
• Is more likely to stay on message  - not a rebel with a badge!

This would be an important win for either side...if Conservative, then a vital beachhead in the GTA for Harper, and if it stays Liberal , a signal that the tide is turning positive for Iggy.

The troops are in place...the strategy set...watch this one...it could be a nail biter!