This spring's provincial election in Delta South just got a whole lot more interesting.
The announcement last week that long-time civic councillor Bruce McDonald is seeking the Liberal nomination means the road back to Victoria got a lot bumpier for MLA Vicki Huntington.
When she was elected back in 2009, it was openly debated whether the protest vote that propelled Huntington to office could be sustained for more than one term. Would anger in these parts dissipate and would voters return to the party fold?
That was the thinking of many two or three years ago, but as the May provincial election drew nearer, the likelihood of a second term for our independent MLA actually became greater. Less than six months out and there were only two declared challengers: acclaimed NDP candidate Nic Slater and Liberal Bruce Fougner.
The Conservatives and Greens had announced they wouldn't run candidates against Huntington, and given the fact this isn't fertile NDP territory and the only Liberal to declare is a political neophyte, you had to think her re-election chances looked pretty darn good.
That changes should McDonald win the nomination later this month. That's not to suggest the veteran council member becomes the favourite should he best Fougner, but he would undoubtedly make it more difficult for his former civic colleague to secure a second term.
McDonald's service on Delta council dates back more than a quarter century, and over that time he has earned a reputation for his common sense approach.
I've long admired his willingness to not only take a stand, but to defend that position in the face of criticism.
Whether his record of public service, and the right leaning nature of this riding, can overcome the baggage the Liberals have accumulated in Delta South will be a question left in the hands of local voters.
The fact the Liberals have attracted a potential candidate of McDonald's stature means it would be foolish to write off the governing party. It should be remembered that cabinet minister Wally Oppal only lost the seat in a recount, and while the Liberals aren't as popular provincially as they were four years ago, it could be argued the disdain here might not be as acute as it was in 2009.
Throw in the possibility of the Conservatives reconsidering their position, as well as the always-crucial strategic voting, and this race is far from a foregone conclusion.
