All but a handful of New Democrat MLAs are lining up behind the candidate of their choice in the Manitoba NDP leadership race.
As The Reminder first reported, Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen is endorsing Theresa Oswald. He’s one of seven NDP MLAs backing her.
Also behind Oswald, according to CBC, are Nancy Allan, Jennifer Howard, Ron Lemieux, Erin Selby, Stan Struthers and Andrew Swan.
Could the next NDP leader and premier be from northern Manitoba? Thompson MLA Steve Ashton hopes so.
Ashton has the endorsement of six NDP MLAs in Dave Gaudreau, Bidhu Jha, Jim Malloway, Christine Melnick, Tom Nevakshonoff and Jim Rondeau, reports CBC.
Premier Greg Selinger, fighting to hold onto his job amid low approval ratings, has 14 MLAs behind his bid, according to the network.
Selinger’s supporters are James Allum, Peter Bjornson, Sharon Blady, Drew Caldwell, Kevin Chief, Deanne Crothers, Greg Dewar, Eric Robinson, Mohinder Saran, Melanie Wright, Kerri Irvin-Ross, Ron Kostyshyn, Flor Marcelino and Ted Marcelino.
That leaves four undecided New Democrats in Rob Altemeyer, Erna Braun, Dave Chomiak and Gord Mackintosh.
The NDP leadership vote will be held March 8.
