John's career goes down the toilet

John Tory, that is:

KAWARTHA LAKES - PC leader John Tory has gone down to defeat in the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock byelection.

Voter discontent struck Tory a blow from which his political career is not expected to recover. He has scheduled a press conference at Queen's Park at 2 p.m. on Friday to announce his future plans.

The stunning tight race that led to an upset sends Liberal candidate Rick Johnson to the seat in the Ontario Legislature that former MPP Laurie Scott gave up for Tory.

Tory appeared at the campaign party at the Olympia Restaurant in Lindsay shortly before 11 p.m. The upstairs banquet room was filled with sombre supporters and suspenseful media.

He was accompanied by Scott, his wife and other family members.

"It was a spirited and honourable campaign," he said, looking composed.

Tory hoped that Johnson "will learn from the example of Laurie Scott." He noted her integrity, courage and team loyalty.

He added that he was sorry her public service had been interrupted. He later spoke of her as "a special friend and true inspiration."

From the Lindsay Post.