As calamitous as the PC defeat was in '03, Eves' leadership role during the blackout and temporary move to the centre-right tied him with McGuinty in late 2002. IOTL Eves thought his lead would grow but it didn't. One of 2 scenarios.
Scenario A) Eves orders a snap dissolution in July 2002, and wins 60-37-6 in the Legislative Assembly.
Scenario B: Eves calls a snap election in early September 2003 to capitalize on his well-regarded handling of the blackout. He wins 65-30-8.
McGuinty obviously resigns after 2 defeats. How long does Eves stay in office? Will he step down before the 2007 election? If so, who is his successor? Liberal leader? Effects on Ontario? Does Eves go to Ottawa as a senior minister in a Harper Cabinet in either 2004 or 2006?
Scenario A) Eves orders a snap dissolution in July 2002, and wins 60-37-6 in the Legislative Assembly.
Scenario B: Eves calls a snap election in early September 2003 to capitalize on his well-regarded handling of the blackout. He wins 65-30-8.
McGuinty obviously resigns after 2 defeats. How long does Eves stay in office? Will he step down before the 2007 election? If so, who is his successor? Liberal leader? Effects on Ontario? Does Eves go to Ottawa as a senior minister in a Harper Cabinet in either 2004 or 2006?