Liberals lose candidate during debate

One outcome from Wednesday night's leaders' debate that the Liberals probably were not expecting was that they would emerge with onefewer candidate than when they started.

The Liberal Party announced Wednesday afternoon via press release that they had a candidate for each of the 48 seats being contested in the Newfoundland and Labrador election.

The announcement came just hours before the leaders' debate; but before the debate was finished, the Liberals' candidate total was 47.

Dropping out from the race on the same day he entered was Phillip Mullins, who was pegged to run in the district of Mount Pearl North.

Mullins announced his interest in the seat over twitter that morning.

"So [apparently] there is a liberal candidate opening in my riding. I just sent an email seeing if they'd consider me. Wow. lol."

He updated in a later tweet that he was being considered by the party and by early afternoon he tweeted he had been selected.

"I am officially the liberal candidate for Mt. Pearl North!"

While Liberal Leader Kevin Aylward was engaged in the leaders' debate, Mullins tweeted that he would be bowing out of the contest.

"After talking with my family and considering the personal and work commitments I have, I will be declining the nomination for Mt. Pearl [North]."

He then thanked the party for its support and wished them luck in the election in a final tweet. Mullins turned down a request for an interview by CBC News.

"Sorry,I have no comment at this time," said Mullinsin aFacebook message.