On Tuesday, former provincial Liberal cabinet minister Gulzar Cheema declined to comment on rumours he was interested in running against Grit MP Sukh Dhaliwal as a Conservative candidate. Although he did confirm he would be letting his Liberal membership expire next month. But, yesterday, he confirmed his Newton-North Delta election plans in an interview with The Vancouver Sun's Kim Bolan, telling her "That would be my choice if everything works out, if the party accepts me." But here's one detail Dr. Cheema might not be aware of: party rules stipulate that "unless waived by the Director of Political Operations in consultation with the President of National Council, (a nomination candidate) must have been a member of the Party for at least six (6) months." And that means that, if Dr. Cheema takes out a membership on August 2, he might not be eligible to run for a nomination until February. So he better hope the Newton-North nomination meeting is called after the New Year. But, according to our operatives, at least some of Conservative nominations will be held before Christmas.
What a difference a day makes!
July 27, 2006
Your enthusiasm for a TWICE failed Surrey council candidate is amusing.
I would be interested in seeing Nina Grewal up against Barinder Rasode would make for an interesting race.
Gurmant and Nina Grewal are the political mentors of Surrey Councillor Tom Gill. If Gurmant and Nina are pushed aside, watch for them to bring out Tom.
Multi-millionaire Bob Cheema is being promoted to run if Nina backs down.
What I heard this morning from someone very well connected (and former candidate) and who met with an NDP MP is, that with Penny Priddy having second thoughts about running against her good friend Donna Cadman, the NDP is looking to Sue Hammel to run in Newton North Delta
What about Nancy Clegg you may ask? - Nancy has moved to Vancouver and now the way is clear for Sue and her strong South Asian connections to beat both Sukh Dhaliwal and Gulzar Cheema. This is an NDP riding just waiting for a strong and qualified candidate like Sue to take it back for the NDP.
Go Sue Go!! I know there are many of us teachers who would work for Sue just like we did in the last provincial election in Surrey Green Timbers.