Kilrea testifies

Court has adjourned until 2:15 this afternoon.

Terry Kilrea has been on the stand for the majority of the day. The focus of his testimony
has been on the events leading from his initial contact with O'Brien up until his withdrawal
from the race in August 2006.

One of the first points of contention was around the date of the first meeting between
Kilrea and O'Brien. Hutchison and Kilrea are referring to that meeting as having taken place
on July 12. However, Edelson objected, citing Kilrea's signed affidavit that states the
meeting took place a week earlier on July 5.

In describing the first meeting on an outside patio at 700 Sussex Drive, Kilrea testified
that O'Brien told him he was thinking of entering the race. He also told Kilrea that his
polling numbers indicated the vote would be split if he did, and that Kilrea "represents the
problem." He went on to testify that O'Brien said some prominent Conservatives wanted them
to "come to an arrangement" or neither of them would win. He said that there were several
Conservatives who liked Kilrea and wanted to see him in a good place.

Kilrea went on to say that O'Brien had said his team would reimburse Kilrea's expenses,
which Kilrea testified were between $20,000 to $30,000. He testified that when he told
O'Brien that he wouldn't leave the race, O'Brien said "this meeting is a courtesy... we
could've just rat-f***d you."

Kilrea testified that When o'Brien asked him what he did and what if they could find an
appointment for him, Kilrea responded that the only thing he'd be interested in would be the
National Parole Board. He testified that O'Brien asked "what if I could make that happen" to
which Kilrea said he'd have to think about it. When Hutchison asked whether Kilrea had
considered it, Kilrea said "I most certainly did."

Kilrea testified that only hours later he got a phone call from O'Brien telling him he had
spoken with John Reynolds and explained to him the specifics of the job. That included a 5
year position with an annual salary of $110,000.

Kilrea also testified he had a meeting with Dimitri Pantazopolous, a pollster for O'Brien.
During that meeting, Kilrea says he asked him whether he was aware there had been talks of
an appointment, to which Pantazopolous replied "it's too hot to handle... we'll have to wait
until after the election."

The Crown has named some of its witnesses. They include Heather Tessier, Patazopolous, Tom
Bennett, and John Light.

The courtroom is completely packed. There is barely any room for onlookers to sit- and there
are plenty of them. The media presence is the heaviest it has been since the trial started.

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