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Get ready for a good one in Vancouver Island North

Courtenay, B.C., the riding of Vancouver Island North.

Political Bytes

Rosemary Barton

In one corner, Conservative John Duncan, winner in 1997, 2000 and 2004 (by a slim 483 votes).

And in the other corner, Catherine Bell, the NDP incumbent, winner in 2006 by only 616 votes.

Brace for a third rematch between these contenders. This, folks, could be a heck of a nail-biter.

Enter one Jack Layton: leader of the NDP and regular gadabout. The location: a packed hall of about 200 supporters where Layton wields a microphone and offers up verbal jabs to anyone in his way.

To see if the appearance makes any difference in this tight race — tune in this time next week.

Rosemary Barton