Chan celebration brought back memories of Trudeaumania

The kids did the right thing in Thursday's three provincial by-elections — they shared.
Everybody went home with a prize. What a nice party. 
Since the Liberals took Markham, Burlington went to the Conservatives and the New Democrats  picked up York South Weston in Toronto, nobody left empty handed or in a snit. 
I like a level playing field, especially in the political arena. If we have a tight three-way race in the Oct. 10 provincial election, we'll get better government. Competition keeps you on your toes. 
Assigned to cover the Markham Liberals, I was not prepared for what I witnessed.
About 1,000 people turned up to cheer candidate Michael Chan on. The crowd was predominately young, from all cultures and in a darn fine mood. They came through the door happy, enthusiastic, well-behaved and  tasting a win.
When Mr. Chan arrived with Premier Dalton McGuinty, the crowd went wild. The rock-star welcome was not for the premier. It was for Mr. Chan.
When the premier took to the stage and yelled,  "My name is Dalton McGuinty and I am a friend of Michael Chan," there was a shrill I hadn't heard since Trudeaumania swept the land.
I couldn't figure it out. Trudeau was Mr. Charisma. The most eligible bachelor in North America, he drove a racy sports car and wore saddles.
Mr. Chan, however, is a middle-aged small business owner and a family man to boot. He likely drives a compact car, wears an everyday business suit and is shy, especially on stage.
There's nothing showy about this guy. Still, you don't attract 1,000 people on a cold winter's night unless you've got something. 
Judging from the strength and intensity of Mr. Chan's support, it's obvious: he's bright, a well-liked individual who surrounds himself with positive and nice people. They joined him in running a top-notch grassroots campaign. His style, his treatment of others and his efforts paid off.
The premier said Mr. Chan is a Canadian story. Leaving his homeland Hong Kong, he struck out on his own when he was 18. Mr. Chan worked hard, played by the rules and put himself in good standing for public service.
He's a winner. After all, 1,000 people can't be wrong.
Welcome to Queen's Park, Mr. Chan.