Politics
Abel ran as the New Democrat candidate in the riding of Wentworth North against incumbent government house leader, Chris Ward. In what was seen as a symptom of anti-Liberal backlash, Abel beat Ward by 88 votes.
Abel served as both deputy whip and whip during his tenure. He also served as chair of the NDP's caucus personnel committee and as a member of the standing committees on general government, regulations and private bills, finance and economic affairs, estimates and the standing committee on the ombudsman.
In 1994, Abel was one of twelve NDP MPPs to vote against Bill 167, a government bill which proposed to extend spousal benefits to same-sex couples. Voting on the bill was a free vote.
In 1995, Abel introduced a private member's bill providing rights for hearing dogs, similar to seeing-eye dogs. It failed to pass through the legislature before the government was defeated in the 1995 election.
Read more about this topic: Donald Abel
Famous quotes containing the word politics:
“The average Kentuckian may appear a bit confused in his knowledge of history, but he is firmly certain about current politics. Kentucky cannot claim first place in political importance, but it tops the list in its keen enjoyment of politics for its own sake. It takes the average Kentuckian only a matter of moments to dispose of the weather and personal helath, but he never tires of a political discussion.”
—For the State of Kentucky, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)