[LINK] "‘Las Vegas’ NDP member Ruth Ellen Brosseau welcomed by some in Quebec riding"

[rfmcdonald]

This is good news for Brosseau, and, by extension, the new Québec caucus of the NDP. Andy Radia's post seems to suggest that Brosseau is fairly popular in the riding at large, and people want to give her a chance. Also, her French is much better than reported.

Elusive New Democrat MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau rolled into town for the first time Wednesday, promising to actually move to the Quebec riding at some point in the future.

And, some of the residents who also met her for the first time said Brosseau made a good impression.

"She is very composed and competent, and expresses herself very well in French," Louisville Mayor Guy Richard told the National Post. "I think she wants to do well. We want to see her regularly in the region, but like any new candidate, she'll have to get used to the job."

Flanked by NDP senior Quebec lieutenant Thomas Mulcair, the 27-year-old former assistant manager of a university pub, arrived unannounced to the riding of Berthier-Maskinongé she won handily May 2.

Famous for taking a mid-campaign vacation to Las Vegas and working nearly 300 kilometres away, Brosseau appears to have made a few new friends, and possibly, supporters.

The Canadian Press reported she won over several constituents with her charm. "She seemed open," one resident said after meeting Brosseau. "I will give her a chance."

Michelle Picard, a local museum director, told the CP reporter, "Her French is quite good. I think she understands more than she can speak. She's a very nice person, very easy to talk to."

In a telephone interview with community newspaper l'Écho de Maskinongé, Brosseau said in French she was excited about her first day in the riding and spoke to many locals about their issues and concerns.