Here's the statement Harper should have released:
"Ensuring fair and impartial elections is the most important aspect of our democracy. This is not a Conservative or Liberal or NDP value, it is a universal Canadian value. My government does not condone or endorse any action that would attempt to deprive any Canadian citizen -- regardless of which party they support -- their right to legally participate in our democratic process. I personally would never support or approve any organized effort to trick voters into going to the wrong polling station. The PMO and the Conservative Party of Canada is prepared to offer Elections Canada and the RCMP our full and unconditional support in their investigations. Anyone found guilty of a criminal violation of the Elections Act should be punished to the full extent of the law. If the investigation determines that any Conservative MP knowingly approved or condoned these despicable actions at the local riding level, he or she will be expelled from our party's caucus and will not be permitted to run as a Conservative Party candidate again. If Elections Canada determines that any MPs were elected as a result of illegal activity, I will personally ask that member to resign and call a by-election in any ridings where the democratic process was deemed unfair. My office will issue no further statement on this issue until Elections Canada and the RCMP have concluded their investigations."
My respect for Harper would increase immensely if he released a statement like that instead of categorically denying everything before the investigation is even finished. I'm sure he personally is not guilty or any wrongdoing, but how can he be so sure there wasn't an organized effort going on in individual ridings without the knowledge or approval of the national campaign?
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