Orange Won but the Real Winner was Green

New Democrat Murray Rankin won the by-election in Victoria last night but only just.   With the powerful and experienced federal and provincial NDP machines churning away in the previously New Democrat riding, Rankin was all but pre-ordained to triumph.   Yet that triumph eluded him as he barely squeaked through past the Green Party candidate, Donald Galloway.    During the night the lead changed hands several times between Rankin and Galloway.

At the end of the night, it was Rankin by the skin of his teeth.  The message for the Greens was crystal clear - we can have these guys with a little more time and a little more effort.