By Jon Tattrie - The Weekly News
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour was a field of orange after the 2006 election, with the NDP winning all five seats. It won a byelection in 2007 and is angling for another clean sweep, but a couple of Liberal candidates are determined to add a splash of red by making the leap from municipal to provincial politics.
Dartmouth East
The NDP's Joan Massey was easily re-elected as MLA in 2006, but this year faces a stiff challenge from the area's councillor and now Liberal candidate, Andrew Younger. Also in the fray are Progressive Conservative Bert Thompson and the Green Party's Anna Mukpo.
| * ADVANCE POLL: Electors who might be away on election day can vote at the advance poll, which is held on the Friday and Saturday just before election day. Dates: Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. Times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. * INFORMATION: Contact the returning office at www.electionsnovascotia.ns.ca/09elec tion.asp to find your polling location. * ELECTION DAY: Polls will be open on election day, June 9, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Dartmouth North
In 2006, NDP incumbent Jerry Pye stepped down, but the New Democrats kept the seat as Trevor Zinck handily outpaced the other contenders. This year he faces another elected official: councillor Jim Smith is gunning for the seat on behalf of the Liberals. David Losey will run for the Tories and Alex Donaldson will represent the Greens.
Cole Harbour
The man many have pegged as the next premier of Nova Scotia trounced all rivals in 2006. Darrell Dexter, leader of the NDP, cleared his nearest opponent by more than 3,500 votes. He's facing a new Progressive Conservative challenger this year in Mike Josey and Tony Ince for the Liberals.
Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage
The NDP's Kevin Deveaux won the seat in 2006, but won't be defending it: he's off helping a UN democracy mission in Vietnam. The party held the seat in a 2007 byelection, with former councillor Becky Kent winning. The Liberals hadn't declared a candidate as of press time, leaving the PC's Lloyd Jackson as the only rival to Kent.
Dartmouth South-Portland Valley
The New Democratic Party completed its sweep of the Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Weekly News's territory as Marilyn More won the 2006 election. She cleared closest rival Tim Olive of the Progressive Conservatives by over 1,400 votes. The long rivalry between the two - More took the seat from Olive in 2003 - won't be repeated, as the PCs will be represented by George Jordan this time. Colin Hebb will hold the Liberal banner in 2009.
jatattrie@yahoo.ca
