Former Ignatieff campaign British Columbia communications chair Gerry Lenoski is bowing out of the Burnaby-New Westminster nomination race, Public Eye has learned. In an email sent to supporters, Mr. Lenoski writes "the current pre-election situation has become complicated for me" - in part, "because the prospect of a candidacy and an election campaign also conflicts with my current responsibilities more than had been apparent previously, and especially insofar as my consulting firm and our clients are concerned." So he'll instead be endorsing fellow nomination candidate and former New Democrat Steve McClurg, whom he describes in a separate statement as "a like-minded political activist." Mr. Lenoski goes onto write Mr. McClurg "will reveal this development to the local media in a timely way. Please keep this news to yourself until it is made official." Ooops. Did we spoil the surprise? The following is a complete copy of that email.

From: Gerard Lenoski
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 11:16 AM
Subject: That's Politics!

Dear Friends:

Politics often requires difficult decisions. The current pre-election situation has become complicated for me. As a result, I have - reluctantly - reached the difficult decision that it is best for me to withdraw from the federal Liberal nomination race in Burnaby-New Westminster for the next election campaign.

As you probably know, the contest to choose a Candidate in my "home" riding has been getting crowded. Besides Daniel Lee, the roster of wannabes includes two women (a Lily Harvey, and someone called Elsie) plus lately the addition of Steve McClurg, who joined the Liberal Party from the NDP last year. The nomination meeting date still has not been set, and could be put off for weeks or it may be called very soon without much notice. The 'Green Light" Committee has not been heard from. The election may be in May, but it also might be held over until the Autumn, or later. Meantime, the Liberal Party central campaign is determined to complete all BC nominations shortly.

My professional demands now are such that I must leave today for Hong Kong on a business trip to China for 10 days. I came to this decision since my necessary absence could coincide with the Burnaby-New Westminster nomination meeting being scheduled, and its possibly even being held before I return home just ahead of the LPC(BC) Convention at Sun Peaks. Not least of all, I am withdrawing at this time because the prospect of a candidacy and an election campaign also conflicts with my current personal responsibilities more than had been apparent previously, and especially insofar as my consulting firm and our clients are concerned.

Accordingly, I have prepared the attached Statement for release while I am gone. Steve McClurg, whose candidacy I am endorsing, will reveal this development to the local media in a timely way. Please keep this news to yourself until it is made official.

Thank you very much for your past interest in my political ambitions. I hope you will favour me with support if and when there is a similar opportunity for me to seek a federal candidacy in future.

Warm regards,

Gerry

***

STATEMENT by GERRY LENOSKI
RE: FEDERAL LIBERAL NOMINATION for
BURNABY-NEW WESTMINSTER RIDING
[Endorsement of STEVE McCLURG]

"After a great deal of thought about the work and family compromises involved at this juncture in my life which would result from my standing for election to Parliament now, I have decided to withdraw my name from contention for the federal Liberal nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster riding for the coming federal general election.

The opportunity to seek, and to serve in, elected public office remains a lifelong goal that I hope to fulfill at a better future time.

I have taken this decision on the basis of careful consideration, knowing that I have supporters who will be disappointed. To them, I can only say how humbling it is for me to know that they were prepared to help me follow my political path. They have my sincere appreciation, always. I look forward to continue working with them in the Liberal Party of Canada for the realization of common political objectives in and for Canada.

As a longtime Liberal whose philosophy places me in the progressive centre, and as someone born in New Westminster, raised in South Burnaby and living in New Westminster, I am urging the Burnaby-New Westminster Liberal Members to select a like-minded political activist, STEVE McCLURG, as their Candidate. Steve's New Westminster base, his commitment to progressive ideals and solid political record in the Riding's communities will make him an excellent Liberal nominee capable of winning this constituency for our Party under the Leadership of Stephane Dion."

GERRY LENOSKI
April 10, 2007