A Liberal candidate in Newfoundland and Labrador's October election says her Tory opponent is turning her health problems into an election issue.
Denise Pike says she is worried about whether her health status will hurt her on the campaign trail. (CBC)
Denise Pike said Progressive Conservative candidate Calvin Peach has been talking up her fight against cancer on the campaign trail in Bellevue district.
Peach, however, insists he would never capitalize on Pike's medical issues in the forthcoming campaign.
"I don't know really how far this has gone," said Pike, who said her years-long battle with cancer has never held her back.
"I worked 10 years in a volunteer position," said Pike, who had a high profile in the province as the former president of the Federation of School Councils. "I attended many meetings with an IV still attached."
Pike said that although she does not like to talk about her health issues, she is afraid her health status could hurt her chances in the Oct. 9 election.
"One of the parents made the comment to me, she said, 'Well, I didn't really know you, but if I had two candidates I really didn't know, I would vote for the healthy one,' " Pike said.
Peach said the matter has been blown out of proportion. He said Pike's health problems came up during a conversation on the wharf in Dildo and Peach said he simply had asked someone if Pike was doing OK.
"For one thing, I want to make it clear that I have not … been campaigning on Denise Pike's health issues in this election," he said.
"I wouldn't do it with her. I wouldn't do it with anyone else."
Peach said he called Pike on Saturday to clear the air. He said he is sorry if this controversy has caused her any grief and said he has no interest in a dirty campaign.
Bellevue is held by Liberal Percy Barrett, who is retiring after 18 years of representing the eastern Newfoundland district.
A tight race is expected. In 2003, Barrett defeated PC candidate Joan Cleary by just 100 votes.
| Party | Elected | Leading | Total | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC | 43 | 0 | 43 | 69.56% |
| LIB | 3 | 0 | 3 | 21.98% |
| NDP | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8.21% |
| OTH | 0 | 0 | 0 | .25% |
| Last Update:October 9, 10:58:12 PM NDT | ||||
| Unofficial results were updated at the time shown. For more recent results, visit Elections NL. The CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites. External links will open in a new window. |
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