Mayor's brother won't rule out provincial run

Toronto Coun. Doug Ford, the brother of Mayor Rob Ford, is not rulingout a run in this year's provincial electionas a Progressive Conservative.

"The residents,I [would]represent them if I were to run provincially or if I'm a city councillor. But I'm going to focus[on being]a city councillor right now," he told CBC News Thursday.

When asked specifically if his name would not be on the provincial ballot, Ford replied: "No, I'm not saying that. I'm just saying I'm focusing on the city right now."

Fordwas speakinga dayafter he told the Toronto Star the Progressive Conservatives had approached him about running in the provincial riding of Etobicoke North, currently held by Liberal MPP Shafiq Qaadri.

Ford replaced his brother as the city council representative for Ward 2 (Etobicoke North)in last fall's municipal election. Ward 2 accounts for about half of the provincial Etobicoke North riding.

The Ontario provincial election will be held on Oct. 6.