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Is the premier trying to force an early election? January 12, 2007 Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is questioning whether Premier Danny Williams is trying to force an early election by encouraging resignations from his caucus. Today's resignation of Port au Port MHA Jim Hodder is the third Tory MHA who has resigned over the past month, with more resignations being speculated in the coming weeks. "The early resignations of a number of government MHAs is very unusual and indicates that something very strange is taking place in the PC caucus. There is much speculation that the discontent with the premier's leadership is growing and disgruntled MHAs are being forced out. I suspect the premier is encouraging members to leave so that he can call an early election and stop the bleeding that is currently taking place from his government. "Even though Premier Williams brought forward fixed-date elections, it appears he is willing to break another election promise and go to the polls early. This is nothing more than an attempt to catch people off guard and limit the growing dissension in his caucus before it turns into a revolt against his confrontational and dictatorial leadership style. "With such a significant majority in the House of Assembly, there is no reason for Premier Williams to call an early election. The Auditor General still has not finished his reports into constituency spending and the fibre-optic deal, and going to the polls early appears to be nothing more than an attempt to circumvent this process before potentially damaging information comes forward. "If the premier doesn't feel he has enough competent people in his caucus to ensure government runs effectively, I suggest he advise the people of the province not to vote for these PC members who obviously do not have his confidence. An early election is nothing more than a sham and would be a deceptive way by the premier to avoid upcoming scrutiny. I expect the people of the province to see through this charade and send a strong message through the ballot box should an early election be called."
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