Liberal in Saanich Gulf Islands, Renee Hetherington, to run

1. September 12, 2009: SGI Federal Liberal Renee Hetherington’s Nomination Speech (video)

2. September 12, 2009: The race in Saanich-Gulf Islands just got a lot more interesting

Elizabeth May to run in Saanich-Gulf Islands

The Toronto Star, Sept 9, 2009: Elizabeth May’s seat bid in B.C. seen as aiding Tories. Green leader’s choice will split the vote, environmentalist warns

Briony Penn, former Liberal candidate in the riding:

“I think all of us want to see Elizabeth in (the House of Commons), but this riding is exceedingly difficult,” Penn said from Salt Spring Island, B.C., yesterday. “I know the numbers really well. I know every neighbourhood. I know every swing voter. I’ve identified the vote and I know it would take an extraordinary miracle for Elizabeth to win.” 

 On Renée Herrington,  possible Liberal Candidate for the riding:

“The way the system is set up, these two women are going to be pitted against one another cancelling all the good stuff out and Gary Lunn will run laughing all the way to Ottawa.”

Ralph Benmergui, GPC senior advisor:

…said May is running in Saanich-Gulf Islands because the numbers worked in her favour and after spending a lot of time there this summer she can see herself living in the community.

“It is not going to be a cakewalk. It’s going to be very difficult, like any riding is for the Green party person, because we’re the new guy,” Benmergui said yesterday. “If Briony has a better suggestion then I would love to hear it because that argument can be made for any riding in the country… We get our votes from others parties because we did not exist in a lot of people’s minds before.”