| Tuesday, November 4, 1997 | Back | The Halifax Herald Limited |
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Vote big test for Liberals Halifax Citadel close race
The Liberal government of Russell MacLellan faces an interim verdict on its performance today, as voters in four ridings will elect new MLAs. All three major parties are looking to today's results for momentum to carry them into the general election in the spring. About 50,000 Nova Scotians are eligible to vote. Mr. MacLellan, the candidate with the most riding on today's byelections, is looking to win in Cape Breton North, but he won't be able to help his own cause by voting for himself. He lives in Cape Breton South, Economic Development Minister Manning McDonald's riding, and will not be able to vote. The Liberals will be looking for some luck in Halifax Citadel, a riding that has gone with the government for the last half century - with Terry Donahoe's win in 1993 against a Liberal tidal wave the only time the seat has been represented by an opposition member. "I think we are in a tight race," said New Democrat Leader Robert Chisholm, who spent Monday campaigning with his candidate, retired school principal Peter Delefes. The New Democrats think they will take the riding, a belief fostered in part by federal NDP Leader Alexa McDonough's June victory in Halifax. The Electoral Office reports the number of potential voters, 17,100, has jumped by over 1,500 since the May 1993 provincial election. That is likely due to a larger number of students in the riding for this byelection. Liberal Ed Kinley, and Tory Kate Carmichael, along with independent Idris Madar have been concentrating heavily on the university vote. "My slogan is: Vote for our future, vote for your children," said Mr. Madar, who at the age of 50 recently graduated from Saint Mary's University with a degree in international development. He is the only independent running in any of the four byelections. According to the provincial Electoral Office, there are 11,902 registered voters in Cape Breton North. If they opt for Tory Danny Laffin, or New Democrat Archie MacKinnon, it will likely paralyse Mr. MacLellan's government, which must head into a province-wide election next spring. Mr. MacLellan braved the wind and rain just after 6 a.m. Monday to greet miners during the shift change at the Prince Mine in Point Aconi. A few workers refused to shake the premier's hand, but most had a quick word with him at the mine entrance. Miner Duncan Dandy said the provincial Liberals' track record might stop him from voting for the premier. "John Savage, he almost wiped this province out," he said. As for Mr. MacLellan, "he had 17 years as an MP and he didn't do much for our riding," Mr. Dandy said. Others were more supportive but wouldn't bet on the outcome. "As far as the election's going to go around here, bud, it's kinda wishy-washy," one miner said. "Don't know which way it's gonna go, Russ, but I say the best of luck to you." In Cape Breton The Lakes, Helen MacDonald looks to be the New Democrats' best bet to re-establish the party's electoral presence on Cape Breton Island after almost 15 years. A teacher, she is facing off against two local businessmen. Allan Henderson is carrying the flag for the Liberals, while Rollie Clarke is contesting the seat for the Tories. A total of 11,452 voters will have a chance to cast ballots in Cape Breton The Lakes. In Cumberland North, a seat vacated almost a year ago by Ross Bragg, who has since died, Mr. Bragg's principal opponent in the 1993 election seems poised to win, as many of the 13,163 prospective voters vent their anger at the Liberals. Tory Ernie Fage has capitalized on the introduction of the first highway tolls in the province, the breaking of a promise to move 75 public service jobs to the area, and even the decision not to hold the byelection until the last possible moment. Local businessman Russell Scott is carrying the banner for the Liberals, while Dorothy Jorgenson is the NDP candidate. Polls will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. |
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