John Hamm, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, MLA Pictou Centre.

John Hamm led the Progressive Conservatives to victory in 1999, and now he's out for a repeat performance.

The 65-year-old former country doctor is the elder statesman of the three political leaders. He's older, has been in provincial politics longer, and has led his party since 1995.

The classic image of a premier in Nova Scotia is a kindly, elderly gentleman, said political scientist David Johnson. "John Hamm fits that persona."

For the Tories, Hamm is their anchor. In an internal party memo, Tory candidates were told to write letters to newspapers extolling "the honesty and integrity" of John Hamm. In 1999, party faithful credited his "compassionate conservatism" as the reason behind their win.

Hamm's personal popularity has remained high, even though a Corporate Research poll in May put his party in second place behind the Liberals.

Now Hamm is selling himself as the leader who lives up to his promises.

It took him four years, but in 2003 he delivered on his 1999 election promise to cut income taxes.

Then he went on a spending spree, including $280 million for new schools and renovations. Other announcements for new bridges and loans for small businesses came fast and furious in the last couple months.

With a debt plan in hand, Hamm is focusing on stability.

"They need the electorate to think about the big picture," said Johnson. "They want voters to ask themselves if they're better off today than they were four years ago."

Hamm underwent back surgery last December, which kept him out of the public eye earlier this year.

But he's been shaking hands and greeting voters, eager to show them he's fit and healthy and ready to lead the province for another four years.

Information on the Conservative Party

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