CBCnews

Every penny for Penny counts in Surrey North

It's just one of those simple truths: winning campaigns — even small local campaigns — costs money.

And raising that money at the local level is the responsibility of the local candidate.

Political Bytes

James Cudmore

So, pity Rachid Arab, the NDP candidate in Surrey North. He's new on the job, taking over from NDP MP Penny Priddy, who decided not to run again.

Priddy was on hand at Jack Layton's rally in Arab's riding Monday night.

But it appears her hand, or at least, her smiling face, also plays a key role in Arab's fundraising efforts.

Hanging on the wall of Arab's campaign office is a large portrait of Priddy. Posted beside it is a small paper sign. "Silent auction," it reads. "Autographed Penny Priddy portrait."

Interested folks are instructed to write down their name and best offer. The winning bid wins.

The first (and only offer at the time I saw the portrait): $50

— James Cudmore