Last week, we issued a call for help on DemocraticSPACE’s newest initiative: riding bloggers for the next federal election from across the political spectrum. We aim to provide the most comprehensive and most balanced on-the-ground coverage anywhere. In the first week, we have signed up some well-known Canadian political bloggers, including Ted Betts (Cerberus), Jeff Jedras (A BCer In TO), Idealistic Pragmatist, James Bow (Bow. James Bow.), Abandoned Stuff by Saskboy, Connie Wilkins (Free Dominion), Vincent Geloso, Werner Patels, Larry Savage (Uncorrected Proofs), among countless others (with deepest apologies to those I didn’t specifically call out here — this is just from the top of my head).

All told, the first week brought in bloggers covering about 30% of the ridings and from across the political spectrum. As of now, we have 30% non-partisans, 27% Conservatives, 20% Liberals, 11% NDPers, 6% Green, 5% Bloc and 2% Other. I wonder if this reflects the current support levels for the parties? :) (if you take out the non-partisans that gives us: 39% CPC, 29% LPC, 16% NDP, 9% Green, 7% Bloc, 3% Other).

It is our goal to have a blogger for every riding in the country. We are now opening up the second round of applications to fill the remaining spots. The way we’ve set it up, there is one spot per party per riding (plus non-partisans), so there are plenty of spots available, even if we have at least one blogger already signed up in a given riding. So don’t hesitate to apply. Details are here:

http://democraticSPACE.com/blog/2007/04/help-wanted-federal-riding-bloggers/