LONGTIME Elmwood MLA Jim Maloway was picked Sunday to lead the NDP in Elmwood-Transcona in the federal election.
And his first order of business is challenging the Conservative candidate, Winnipeg Jets legend Thomas Steen, to a debate about the Disraeli Bridge redevelopment.
Jim Maloway approaches the podium after winning the NDP nomination.
"It doesn't scare me," Maloway said of going up against the ex-Jets centre. "The Conservatives have brought in a lot of high-profile people over the years from the media and sports. But it's just a distraction. It's the Paris Hilton effect. They're just there to flesh out the team. That's it."
Maloway won on a second ballot at a riding nomination Sunday night. He replaces MP Bill Blaikie, who's leaving politics after serving the riding for more than 30 years. Blaikie will teach religious studies at the University of Winnipeg.
Maloway and Blaikie said Steen's jump into politics is not a serious threat as he seems unfamiliar with riding issues, like the Disraeli Bridge, and doesn't live in east Winnipeg.
"We'll fight off the carpetbaggers one more time," Blaikie said. Steen, nominated Saturday, lives in south Winnipeg.
Steen spent Sunday morning autographing lawn signs, not hockey sticks, to get his brand front and centre in the riding.
"It's the most exciting time in my life. We're ready to do whatever it takes to take the riding. And I mean that in a good way," Steen said.
While he's a rookie in the political arena, he said he'll be taking his cue from voters to coach him to a win.
The nomination of Maloway, who has represented the provincial riding of Elmwood for 23 years, forces Premier Gary Doer to call a byelection.
Blaikie encouraged party members to get involved in the campaign to make sure the seat stays New Democrat.
"We'll have a good candidate, but you can't take it for granted," he said.
Besides the bridge redevelopment, which will take months, other issues in the area include jobs, child care and the environment.
Meantime Sunday, Liberal Anita Neville, who is running for re-election in Winnipeg South Centre, had a packed agenda, speaking at a rally at the legislature, making an appearance at the at the Villa Nova Care Home in her riding and campaigning at the Asper Jewish Community Campus.
"This is going to be a very unpredictable campaign. There are a lot of unknowns and one is our leader (Stéphane Dion). He's been framed by a mean-spirited prime minister. But I think Canadians are going to be very impressed with Mr. Dion."
-- with files from Alexandra Paul
bruce.owen@freepress.mb.ca
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