You have to feel for the contenders in the race - make that a marathon - to replace longtime Liberal MP Brenda Chamberlain. Except for Conservative Gloria Kovach, they were all nominated more than a year ago and have pretty much been in campaign mode ever since. Liberal hesitation to pull the plug on the government has resulted in periods of greater election fever, followed by periods of lesser election fever. Then, finally, Guelph was to get a chance to replace Chamberlain on Sept. 8.

Now it appears this is a moving target, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper apparently poised to move the finish line once again with a visit to Governor General MichaÎlle Jean next week to call a general election. Pity the poor local campaign workers, who likely didn't realize they were signing up for a nearly endless trek. They must be getting close to suffering from election fatigue, with a vote perhaps delayed to October.

Guelph was the focus of intense interest as a bellwether riding and the seat that was most up for grabs of the three Sept. 8 byelection ridings. The Conservatives didn't hold any of the four seats where byelections were set for next month, but they must have had hopes. It's tempting to agree with Liberal Frank Valeriote that Harper wouldn't be pushing for a general election if he remained optimistic of a byelection win, with Guelph perhaps the juiciest prize. However, we may never know what might have been on Sept. 8.

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Thumbs up, thumbs down

Royal city most caring

Thumbs up to this city being declared the most caring city in Canada by Maclean's. Thanks, Guelphites, for all you do.

A jarring presence

Thumbs down to John Turmel for disrupting Monday's televised byelection debate. A most unfortunate spectacle.