T.J. Grewal has finally said why he is supportingTodd Doherty for the federal Conservative's Cariboo-Prince George nomination.
Grewal told the Citizen on Wednesday night that he was supporting Doherty but refused to make a public statement except through a news release. The statement was issued Friday morning but was dated Dec. 2, which was Tuesday.
"He has strong family ties not only in Prince George, but in Williams Lake as well, he has experience working with all levels of government," Grewal said in the release "He is approachable, will listen to the needs of this riding, and I believe he will work hard on your behalf."
Grewal, a Prince George businessman, saw his own hopes for the nomination dashed when Conservative headquarters barred him from being a candidate because he was one week shy of the six-month-member mark - a requirement in the Conservative constitution that has been waived in some cases. He was a member as recently as 2012.
Grewal has said he has signed up as many as 1,500 new members to the Conservative Party this year.
Grewal said he is "very grateful for the support this region has shown me in my efforts to seek the nomination."
Members from Quesnel and Williams Lake will vote Dec. 12 while Prince George and Vanderhoof voters can mark their ballot on Dec. 13.
Nick Fedorkiw and Shari Green are also in the running.
