Candidates already on campaign trail for P.E.I. byelection

The date hasn't been set for a byelectionin the P.E.I. riding of Summerside-Wilmotbut that's not stopping some hopeful candidates from going door to door.

Chris Palmer said he is seeking theLiberal nomination to run for the vacant seat. The Summersideentrepreneur who owns Island Stoneware,began campaigning about a week ago.

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He said he sees this first shot at a political post as a way of giving back. "I'm making phone calls, I'm going door to door, I'm talking to people in my district," said Palmer.

The seat became vacant after the resignation earlier this month ofMLA Janice Sherry.

Campaigning begins

Nancy Beth Guptill alsodeclared her intention to seek the Liberal nomination. Guptilltold CBC News she was approached by a couple of parties to run but a long family history with the Liberals made the decision fairly easy.

"I've been a die hard Liberal since the day I was born," said Guptill.

Guptillsaid she has been meeting with constituents in coffee shops and making phone calls mostly.

"I want to be the voice and an advocate for the district," she said.

The P.E.I. Liberal Party saidthe party is still looking to identify interested people, but when it comes to setting a nomination date, "It's something that will be sooner rather than later," said president Scott Barry.

Possible new leader for Progressive Conservatives

The Progressive Conservatives are also getting ready but no one appeared to be officially on the campaigntrail Monday.

GerardMcCardle, President of the District 21 Progressive Conservative Association, said heis looking at what halls may be available and possible dates for a nominating convention.

"I have yet to get anybody's name officially, I have heard anywhere's from six names," said McCardle.

The P.E.I. PC Party are also looking at this byelection as a chance for a new leader. "This person could be the person that runs for the leadership and also could be the person to be the next premier of the province." said McCardle.

McCardle said heexpected to have some names of interested candidates by the end of the week.

Green'sexpectations high

The Green Partyleader, Peter Bevan-Baker said he plannedto be in the Summerside area a lot over the next couple of months. The party has two candidates who have expressed interest.

Bevan-Baker saidthere won't be a nomination vote butparty officials will meet soon to figure out whowill run in the district.

"We're going to run a really full campaign,we will beextremely competitive," said Bevan-Baker.

The Greens expect the byelection to be called for the end of September or early October.

NDP to announce candidate

The New Democratic Partyof P.E.I. confirmed it will be running a campaign and a candidate will be stepping forward "very soon" said party officials.

Edith Perry, co-chair for the NDP election planning committee is helping coordinate plans for the byelection.

"We are discussing campaign platforms, addressing financial resources, everything that is needed for a full fledged campaign," said Perry.

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