Months canvassing for new Tory members will come to an end tonight, when the deadline closes to sign up card-carrying Conservatives who want to vote in the next riding representative.
For the first time in 22 years, members will choose a new candidate for Prince George-Cariboo after Dick Harris's decades-long reign. Three approved candidates remain in Nick Fedorkiw, Shari Green and Todd Doherty, after T.J. Grewal got final word Tuesday he couldn't run, having not met the six-month member minimum.
"I think it's a tight race for sure," said departing Prince George mayor Shari Green, who is hoping her political experience will give her the advantage. "It's going to be very interesting, particularly in Prince George because all three candidates are from here."
Riding residents have until 9 p.m. local time Thursday to sign up either online or by phone.
All three opted "no comment" when it came to naming member numbers, or as Doherty said, they are holding their (member) cards close to their chests. Each said their drives were successful.
When the electoral boundaries were redrawn in 2004, Harris almost lost his seat to Williams Lake's Elmer Thiessen, before an appeal triggered a re-vote that saw Harris win by 16 ballots a month later. The original vote saw each tally 1,200 people a piece.
None of the current candidates would speculate on what it would take to win, but Grewal's estimation that he signed up 1,500 members gives some indication of the benchmark the competitors were trying to reach. Grewal said he needs to speak with his supporters before he can decide what candidate he should endorse.
Fedorkiw said Grewal's nod could be a factor come voting day. Although Doherty acknowledged it could help, he also said it's too simple to assume the candidates control the votes of those they sign up.
"There's lots of talk about people giving their seconds to others and what have you. I think it comes right down to the voter and really who they want to vote for regardless of who signs them up," said Doherty, who was endorsed by Harris in October.
"There's so much stuff going on. We're just keeping focused on what we can control and not worry about what others are doing. I'm a former coach and hockey player, and we're playing like we're two goals down because we just never know."
He pointed to the municipal election for a sense of political interest, forecasting a strong voter turnout on a day that many suggest will also decide the region's next MP.
"I think what we saw with our municipal election that people want to see change, and there was a clear message that was sent and I'm hoping that we see the same thing for ours," Doherty said.
Fedorkiw said it's an exciting time for the riding.
"People understand that it's a crucial time for Cariboo-Prince George and they want someone who can be an advocate for us but also someone who can have influence in Ottawa," said the economist, adding he's mostly signing up new members to the party.
"I think it's a demonstration of my own application of the Conservative principles that is attracting new people to the party."
Green, who took to the road to announce her candidacy in Vanderhoof, Quesnel and Williams Lake, said the outlying communities will figure prominently. She suspects there may be more than one voting location for the riding.
"The overwhelming theme from all of them is that they're looking for strong representation and something more from their next member of parliament," she said. "They're excited to have a say - it's been a long time."
The date for the membership vote hasn't been set, but according to the Conservative constitution's candidate rubric, the date should fall between Dec. 11 to Dec. 16.
