MP Rathgeber refuses to be 'cheerleader' and quits Tory caucus

[arikara]

A backbench MP from Alberta who is known for criticizing his own government resigned from the Conservative caucus last night, citing amendments made to his private member's bill seeking public disclosure of the expenses and salaries of highly paid public service workers.

"I'm doing what I need to do for myself and for my constituents," Brent Rathgeber told CBC News when reached at the Ottawa airport on Thursday morning. "I don't think that I can continue to represent them when I am told how to vote, told what to speak."

Rathgeber explained that his discontent has been evolving for more than a year, dating back to his decision to write about his disapproval of the Harper government's "opulence" on his blog.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2013/06/05/edmonton-brent-rathgeber-resigns-conservative-caucus.html

Yet he blames it on the youngsters in the PMO and not on the chairman himself.

[Spazito]

1. As a constituent of Mr. Rathgeber, this 'backbone' he is suddenly showing...

is late, too late, imo. (I didn't vote for him and still won't if he runs as an independent) He was a lemming for just about every egregious action by the Harper cabal yet, when it involves something he has put forward, all of a sudden he develops principles. I don't buy it.

[arikara]

3. I totally agree

I heard it mentioned that his principals were activated over an abortion bill. Its not in the articles though.

[CHIMO]

2. No

Honour among thieves.

I won't be shedding any tears. He is all for the Wild Rose and Reform group. Have a look at what he wants to do. The nutter thinks that they are not far enough to the right.