Hants West riding could break with tradition
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 | 8:53 PM ET
CBC News
One riding in central Nova Scotia could determine how the Progressive Conservative party fares overall in the upcoming provincial election.
The riding of Hants West has been the Tory party's rural stronghold for approximately 30 years. Constituents in that riding have sent Tory party members to the Nova Scotia legislature in nine consecutive elections.
But things could change in Hants West on election night, June 9.
Tory candidate Chuck Porter narrowly won the riding in the 2006 election, recording just 41 more votes than Liberal challenger Paula Lunn.
On Wednesday, Porter was out on the campaign trail with Tory Leader Rodney MacDonald. As they shook hands with voters, Porter reminded them that they have benefited by electing him even though wasn't a member of cabinet.
"I've proven, given that they call me 'Cheque Porter,' that I don’t have to be in cabinet to deliver in my constituency," Porter told CBC News on Wednesday.
Liberals hope for huge win in riding
Liberal candidate Paula Lunn is once again challenging Porter to represent Hants West in the provincial legislature.
After losing to Porter by so few votes in 2006, Lunn is campaigning hard to try to ensure a victory this time.
"People do want change," Lunn said while campaigning. "There is a lot of discontent with us not moving forward and getting a plan in place for Nova Scotians in these tough economic times."
Other candidates running in the riding, including New Democrat Barbara Gallagher and the Green party's Sheila Richardson, also hope to make gains with voters.
"We need to get away from the Rodney MacDonald government. That is the main message that I'm hearing," Gallagher said.
"We'd like to see the government that gets into power this time around concentrate on renewable resources," Sheila Richardson said.
