Seen in a bigger picture, this civic election campaign is not only a referendum on Nenshi, but on the NDP provincial govt as well. Yup, Conservatives want this province  and city back, as demonstrated by how the media here has been trumpeting Mr. Smith from the start. Indeed, this is much a prelude to the next provincial election a year and half from now.

Frankly, I think the media has disseminated much post truth misinformation in favor or Mr. Smith, but now it seems the tide has turned---a new Forum poll puts Nenshi far out in front. If anything, this could mobilize Nenshi supporters to come out and vote. 

All things considered, if Nenshi triumphs over a marionette of home builders and some loud mouths in the business community, it behooves him to look past civic politics soon. Again, the next provincial election could provide him an opening into provincial politics.