Public appears evenly split on Campbell's future
Last Updated: Monday, January 13, 2003 | 10:36 PM ET
CBC News
Radio and television call-in shows were divided, with some people calling for Campbell to resign, but just as many voicing their support for the premier.
Campbell says he will continue to serve as premier in spite of the incident.
It was a remorseful Gordon Campbell who addressed the media on Sunday, after being charged with drunk driving in Hawaii.
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Twenty-four hours later, the talk show lines were overheating.
It seemed about even: 50 per cent calling for Campbell to step down, 50 per cent saying he should stay on.
Three B.C. cabinet ministers also say voters are divided about Gordon Campbell's political future.
The ministers want Campbell to continue as premier but they admit many of their constituents disagree and want Campbell to resign.
Health Minister Colin Hansen says Campbell may never be able to put the drunk driving episode behind him. Agriculture Minister John van Dongen says public opinion is running 50-50 in his riding.
Attorney General Geoff Plant says the premier's news conference on Sunday may have tipped the scales in his favor. Before then, Plant says, a majority wanted the premier to leave.
Public service groups are also taking this opportunity to call attention to the dangers of drinking and driving. The executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) says an apology from Campbell isn't good enough. Andrew Murie says the premier should resign. "Premier Campbell should step aside and stay aside until all the consequences of this drinking and driving are dealt with."
- FROM JAN. 10, 2003: B.C. premier says he won't contest drunk driving charge
And the B.C. Alcohol-Drug Education Service says this incident shows alcohol is a dangerous drug that impairs judgment. The organization also says Campbell's arrest highlights the need for more alcohol awareness programs in the province.
Campbell said he will not resign. He says this is a personal matter and it does not affect his ability to govern.
"This misjudgment happened on my personal vacation. This is utterly my responsibility. It had nothing to do with the discharge of my duties, with my staff, my colleagues, or my officials."
The amount of alcohol in Campbell's system is still a mystery. The premier says he drank three martinis and some wine over the course of the evening.
Prosecutors in Hawaii say they will not be releasing Campbell's blood alcohol limit until Friday.
If he's convicted, Campbell could lose his licence for up to three months, could face a small fine, and could be required to take alcohol counselling.
