"Young Harper aide shatters glass ceiling to run election campaign"

Thirty four year old Jenny Byrne emerged this week as the most powerful woman in politics in Ottawa, Canada.  Ms. Byrne is taking over as campaign manager for Doug Finley.   Finley is struggling with cancer, and he is unable to put much effort into the campaign at this time.  Byrne is taking on a position that is traditionally occupied by a middle-age white male.  She is claimed to be both feared and fearless.  She has a cultivated reputation where many people are scared to be on the wrong side of her.  So Harper thinks she will be able to do the job of running his campaign just fine.  Few women manage national campaigns but after two minority governments, Mr. Harper is desperate for a majority.  One former official of Harper says he does not care if it is a man or woman running the show; he just wants the job to get done.  He had picked Byrne to do this because even though she seems so intimidating she is just the person to get the job done.

Ms. Byrne attended College and the University of Ottawa, worked for the PMO as a director of issues management, was the director of political operations, seen victories in four out of seven by-elections, and previous to being appointed at campaign manager she served as Mr. Finley’s deputy.   Also with the election approaching fast, it is said that Ms. Byrne s not entirely on her own, The New national campaign chair Guy Giorno will be on her side.  He is a very calm man and will be a good balance with Ms. Byrne.

I believe that Ms. Byrne will do very well as the campaign manager for Mr. Harper.  Even though she has a very intense and controlling personality, I feel that she will able to pull through in elections.  It is amazing to me that a woman can take over a mans position, and fulfill it with all the potentials that he can.  I think that Ms. Byrne should feel very honored to be chosen for this position, and with her education and experience she will do great things.


Posted By: Kayla Samolinski
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