The Gargoyle: Abdul Abdi and the case of the curious fundraiser

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In a curious move, local Conservatives are holding a pricey fundraiser for Ottawa West-Nepean candidate Abdul Abdi just six days before the federal election.

Those willing to ante up $500 can attend a reception for Abdi, joined by “special guest” John Baird, on Oct. 16 at the Chase Court home of Matt Young, who ran unsuccessfully for the Progressive Conservatives in Ottawa South in the 2014 provincial election.


One-time Ontario Progressive Conservative candidate Matt Young. (Jean Levac / Ottawa Citizen)


The private event will be hosted by Thom Bennett, a prominent Conservative fundraiser, and consultant Graham Bird, a former city councillor and one-time Ontario PC candidate.

Both the timing and the motivation for the fundraiser are puzzling. With the election just days away, there would be little time to deploy any money raised.

In any event, the Ottawa West-Nepean Conservative Assoc. should be flush with cash.

According to a financial statement filed with Elections Canada, the association had assets of $236,356 at the end of 2014 – far more than the $175,805.98 party spending limit for the riding during the writ period.

So what gives?

Austin Jean, Abdi’s campaign manager, declined to explain Thursday.


Conservative candidate Abdul Abdi (centre) kicked-off his election campaign with Minister Jason Kenney. (Mike Carroccett0/Ottawa Citizen)


“Many of your questions relate to campaign strategy,” he said in an email, “so I’m sure you can understand that I am unable to provide specifics as to how we spend the money we raise or where we stand financially.”

The event is notable for the appearance of Baird, who held the seat Abdi is trying to win until his resignation in February.

Though Baird declared in an email last month that he was “incredibly supportive” of Abdi, he hasn’t done any canvassing with his would-be successor or made other public appearances with him.

Despite that, Jean said Baird “has played an important role in our campaign and has actually made significant contributions, ensuring that residents of Ottawa West-Nepean know that Abdul has his complete support.”

dbutler@ottawacitizen.com

twitter.com/ButlerDon

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