A day after Todd Doherty came out as top Tory candidate in Cariboo-Prince George, the news still felt fresh for the former Canada Winter Games director of revenue generation.
"It still hasn't sunk it yet," said Doherty, who won on the first vote count against competitors Shari Green and Nick Fedorkiw.
Doherty said he spent Sunday thanking supporters and although he would take a brief break, his team is already talking strategy for the 2015 federal election.
"It's time to just invest a little at home, making sure that everybody's healthy and we can move forward and time to spend a little of time out of the limelight, a day or so, and just kind of recharge."
Doherty said it would be foolish to view the riding, held for two decades by longtime MP Dick Harris, as a Conservative stronghold.
"I don't think any riding is safe. I think we need to make sure that we get people out and make sure that we're investing and doing what we say we're doing in the communities and talking to people as we move forward."
An estimated 2,000 of about 3150 eligible members showed up to vote Friday and Saturday - or more than 60 per cent of card carrying Conservatives.
The breakdown of votes for each candidate weren't made public. The vote was held over two days in four spots, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Quesnel and WIlliams Lake, where candidates spoke to standing-room only crowds.
"I think the turnout was indicative of the candidates that we had," said Doherty of the high turnout. "All three candidates very strong. I think people that people were excited - first time in 21 years to be able to elect a new representative for us."
In a tight three-way race, Doherty wasn't sure what made the difference.
"I think that maybe our message was strong and people saw that we want to invest here at home and make sure that we can be healthy here and strong representation in Ottawa," he said.
But Doherty said the results wouldn't have been possible without the 60 to 70 volunteers who worked on his campaign.
"It was just a full team effort and I'm very proud of them. They spent a lot of sacrificed hours and hours invested in what we achieved [Saturday] night."
Fedorkiw said he was disappointed with the loss, "but it was a great process and want to send out a thank you to everyone who supported me along the way."
"I give [Doherty] full credit. He ran a great campaign. It was well deserved.
Fedorkiw, an economist, didn't rule out a future in politics but said he had no immediate plans.
"First thing is I'm going to take a break over the Christmas period and then nothing sort of in the political realm for now, but just get back to my private sector career."
Green said she plans "to enjoy some long overdue family time and enjoy the holiday season. I don't have any public plans to share."
