There's a significant amount of work that goes into every political event — even the quick, "barnstormers" Jack Layton has become fond of lately.

James Cudmore

Take this recent stop in Thompson, Man.

The event was supposed to take place outside, on the tarmac, but after a near disaster weather-wise in Saskatoon earlier Wednesday, campaign staffers scrambled to move the event indoors.

Once on the ground, as at every event, an awesome audio-visual crew leaps into action and sets up a small stage, or soapbox, several TV lights and an audio feed for all the reporters.

They also take care with staging, making sure Layton's position is well-lit, and visually appealing.

Sometimes that means positioning Layton in front of a naturally beautiful backdrop, like the Slave River. But here in Thompson, with nothing but an empty airport holding room, the crew had to work a little harder.

Especially with that pesky sign in the background, pointing the way to the washroom.

As I write, Jack Layton is speaking, and that sign? It's covered up now, with a Jack Layton campaign sign. Now, where's the washroom?

—James Cudmore