Liberals pull off double victory in N.S. byelections
Posted Jun 23, 2010 05:29:20 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Liberal party of Nova Scotia is holding its head high today.
The Grits came away with two decisive byelection wins in the ridings of Yarmouth and Glace Bay and Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says it’s a sign voters are growing tired with the NDP government.
“When I was campaigning in both ridings…what was there was about how do we move forward, who can we elect to best represent change, who can we elect that will help usher in more openness and transparency, and that’s what we received,” he said.
In Glace Bay Geoff MacLellan, 31, won the seat with 3900 votes, 1600
more than second-place NDP candidate Myrtle Campbell.
Zach Churchill, 26, won the Yarmouth riding with almost 4000 votes.
Progressive Conservative candidate Charles Crosby had over 2600. The NDP were in fourth place behind independent Belle Hatfield.
McNeil says he’s encouraged by the support.
“We’re humbled by that,” he said. “We recognize the responsibility that comes with their faith and trust in us.”
Progressive Conservative party leader Karen Casey says the expense scandal had little to do with losing the Yarmouth seat, which was previously held by Richard Hurlburt.
“I think people were voting for the candidate,” she said. “And I think both of the candidates that did win were strong.”
The NDP have 31 seats in the house while the Liberals now have 12 and the Tories eight. There is one independent.
