There are seven ridings in Quebec’s Eastern Townships; six are currently held by the Bloc, one by the Conservatives. La Tribune, the local paper in Sherbrooke, took a look at each party’s finances in the region.

In the riding Sherbrooke, the Bloc has the most money to spend: $30,567. The Conservatives are starting out with only $656 in the bank. And the Liberals have $3,200 in the bank, but are also paying off a $4,200 debt.

Next door in the riding of Compton-Stanstead the Bloc has a healthy $45,236 in its coffers. The Conservatives have $10,172. The local Liberal organization filed no financial report with Elections Canada.

In Brome-Missisquoi, the Bloc and the Conservatives are closer. The Bloc has $49,352 while the Conservatives are sitting on $38,962. The Liberals have $7,770 in their kitty.

Each candidate will raise more money during the campaign. The national party organizations can also send money to help individual candidates with their campaigns. Each candidate can spend around $80,000, according to Elections Canada.

But follow the money and it will give you a good indication where the fights will be tight.

— Emmanuel Marchand