NDP's Ron Lemieux considers dropping out of Manitoba election race

The ManitobaNDP could lose another veteran MLA before the spring election.

RonLemieux said on Thursday he isunsure his name will be on the ballot when voters go to the polls onApril 19.

Although he was nominated on Dec. 13, 2014, Lemieux said he'll talkto his family before making a final decision.

"I mean, if you want an answer today, I am running," he said.

"ButI will be talking to my family, and I just need to reaffirm that they are behind [me] and I need to reaffirm myself that everybody is strong."

Lemieux, currently the province'sminister of tourism, culture, heritage, and sport, has been an MLA since 1999, after winning the rural riding ofLa Verendrye. His defeat of the Progressive Conservative candidate marked the first time the NDP or any of its party predecessorshad taken that riding.

The NDP has already taken several recent blows with longtime and big name cabinet ministers deciding against another election run, including Jennifer Howard, Theresa Oswald and Justice MinisterGord Mackintosh.

• Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh won't seek re-election
• Jennifer Howard not seeking re-election, moving to Ottawa
• Former rebel NDP cabinet minister Theresa Oswald won't seek re-election in Manitoba

Lemieuxacknowledged their departures from politics have influenced how he is thinking about his future.

"You know, when I seeGordMackintosh and others making the decisions they have, consulting with their families, I mean, I'm going to be doing that in the very near future," he said.

Butthe actions ofotherswon't determine hisdecision leading up to April 19.

"I do this prior to every election," he said.

"The team has lost some great people in the last little while and that's really difficult but when you see WabKinewand others coming forward it's exciting. It's great to rejuvenate a team."