New Democrat Jack Harris pitches comeback in federal election

Longtime politician Jack Harris is making a bid to return to federal politics, four years after an upsetby a Liberal newcomer.

The New Democratic Party riding association in St. John's East is set to hold a nomination meeting June 18 to select a candidate for the upcoming federal election.

• Jack Harris 'surprised' after being ousted by Nick Whalen in St. John's East

Harris was defeated in 2015 by St. John's lawyer Nick Whalen, whowonwith 47 per cent of the vote.

Harrisfirst entered politics as anMP bywinning a byelection in 1987. He was defeated the next year, but later entered provincial politics in another byelection, this time in 1990.

Harris returned many times in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. He was leader of the provincial New Democrats from 1992 until 2006.

• Former MP Jack Harris keeping busy after election loss

In 2008, Harris re-entered the federal scene with a resounding 78per cent of the vote. He was re-elected in 2011and won with 72 per cent of the vote in his riding.

In the House of Commons, Harriswas a vocal critic for national defence.

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