Mel Lehan not sure he wants to be NDP by-election candidate against Christy Clark

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      In early January, when the B.C. Liberal leadership race was well underway, community activist Mel Lehan indicated to the Straight that he “probably will run again” in Vancouver-Point Grey.

      The talk at that time was that Premier Gordon Campbell would step down as MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey once his party selected a new leader.

      As it turned out, Campbell’s former deputy premier Christy Clark won the leadership race. She’s looking for a legislative seat, and the Vancouver-Point Grey constituency appears like it may be perfect choice.

      A New Democrat, Lehan has challenged Campbell in the 2005 and 2009 elections.

      When reached by the Straight today (February 28), two days after Clark was selected as the new B.C. Liberal leader, Lehan didn’t sound so sure that he still wants Vancouver-Point Grey.

      “Well, at this point, I’m not positive I’m gonna run,” Lehan said in a phone interview.

      According to NDP spokesperson Michael Roy, the party will have to nominate a candidate once the constituency seat becomes vacant.

      At present, the NDP has no official candidate yet for Vancouver-Point Grey, Roy told the Straight by phone.

      Lehan couldn’t say who will likely enter the nomination contest for the NDP to choose the candidate who will go up against a newly minted B.C. premier.

      “There will be a good search for candidates,” he said. “We’ll try to field the best candidate here.”

      The Straight pressed Lehan on why he might no longer go for Vancouver-Point Grey this time.

      “I just haven’t made my mind up either way yet,” Lehan responded. “I’ll just leave it at that.”

      Comments

      4 Comments

      glen p robbins

      Feb 28, 2011 at 3:08pm

      Politics has been terribly boring - Joy McPhail owes it to the betterment of politics in the province to run in Point Grey against Christy Clark.

      Regular voter

      Mar 1, 2011 at 1:28pm

      I vote Tieleman for Point Grey!

      Ashton

      Mar 9, 2011 at 11:04am

      Mel is a true and honest guy. Too bad BC doesn't like electing candidates with integrity, honesty and community commitment.

      New Voter

      Mar 12, 2011 at 5:35pm

      Mel, please run!!!