Welcoming Chow to Mayoral Race, Ford Takes Aim at Her

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford welcomed Olivia Chow to the mayor’s race on Wednesday and just couldn’t resist taking a shot at her left-wing politics. Right after asserting that Chow’s entry into the race is “great” and that he looked forward to the campaign debates, Mayor Ford stated that the former NDP MP “makes David Miller look like a conservative.”

Mayor Ford was addressing reporters after touring a Toronto Community Housing building near Yonge and Bloor Sts., a day before Chow is anticipated to officially announce her run. Ford alleged that “you’re making me, you’re forcing me,” and “we’re going to have some fun in the next few months. On Oct. 27, 8 o’clock that’s going to be the knockout shot.” Additionally, the mayor added that “he’s got a proven track record.” He wouldn’t weigh in on whether his Ford Nation supporters will stick with him. “We’ll see what Ford Nation says. I can’t talk on their behalf.”

Apart from the mayor, response of other mayoral campaigns to Chow’s entry was mixed. Spokesperson for John Tory, Amanda Galbraith, alleged that “John has built his career bringing people from across party lines together to deliver results, and that’s exactly what he will do as Mayor of Toronto.” In an email from Galbraith on Wednesday, it was stated that “with respect to Ms. Chow, she’s never met a public dollar she couldn’t spend. We welcome the contrast with John who is committed to keeping taxes low and building a more liveable, affordable, functional city.”