THUNDER BAY -- Federal candidates in the city agree on at least one thing, that they're ready to go no matter when the writ drops.
National media have reported that a federal election campaign could kick off as early Sunday, 11 weeks before Oct. 19 making it the longest campaign in the country's history.
"Whether Harper calls it now or whether he calls it at a more appropriate time, we're ready. We're ready anytime," Thunder Bay-Superior North Green MP Bruce Hyer said.
"I should be doing my job as an MP for another month, not being a candidate for two months, that's silly. It's wasteful but if I have to do it I'll do it."
Thunder Bay-Rainy River NDP MP John Rafferty said a longer campaign means more money, both for parties to spend but also for the cost of the election, something that needs to be explained to Canadians. The Conservatives have more money than the Liberal and NDP combined heading into this election according to national media.
"If (Harper) wants to have an uneven playing field this is a perfect way of doing it," Raferty said.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River Conservative candidate Moe Comuzzi said the only date anyone knows for sure is election day.
"I don't anticipate anything happening this weekend but we're ready to go," she said.
"You never know."
Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North Patty Hajdu said a long campaign has always been a possibility. Like all candidates, she's been canvassing and organizing for months.
"We're feeling pretty confident in our approach," she said.
Hajdu said the biggest challenge for parties will be financial if the campaign lasts 11 weeks.
