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Rob Ford to officially kick off mayoralty campaign tonight

Rob Ford to officially kick off mayoralty campaign tonight

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Coun. Doug Ford are promising to make a big splash tonight at the mayor's official campaign kickoff.

"It is going to be history in the making I believe," said Coun. Doug Ford, who said he expects "thousands" of supporters to show up.

The campaign launch will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre, the same venue Mayor Ford celebrated his election victory back in 2010.

Coun. Ford — who is managing his brother's campaign — said thousands of robocalls were made earlier this week inviting people to come.

The mayor is expected to speak for about 20 minutes, though no new policy announcements will be made.

"Some humility, a lot of accomplishments," is how Doug Ford described the speech his brother will give tonight. "We went through this rodeo last time about our platform. Our record speaks for itself."

Some special guests are expected to attend, but the mayor said late-night host Jimmy Kimmel will not be there. The Fords appeared on Kimmel's show last month and the late-night comedian has regularly ridiculed Ford's behaviour.

"No I wouldn't trust Kimmel," Coun. Ford said.

Meanwhile John Tory, who is also running for mayor, is scheduled to make announcement this morning about his plan to fight gridlock.

And while Ford holds his event tonight Olivia Chow, who is also challenging Ford for Mayor, will be canvassing in the Ford's home turf of Etobicoke.