THUNDER BAY – The federal Conservatives are expected to have their Thunder Bay-Superior North nominee in place by Thursday night.
The party has scheduled a nomination meeting for the Italian Cultural Centre.
While no name is attached, it’s widely believed former Thunder Bay city councillor Frank Pullia will earn the nod.
Contacted, Pullia wouldn’t say either way.
“I cannot confirm or deny, but I believe there will be a public announcement by the riding association this Thursday evening at the Italian Cultural Centre. I hope to see you there,” Pullia said in a direct message response to an inquiry on Twitter.
The Conservatives haven’t won the riding since 1930 when Donald Cowan took the Port Arthur-Thunder Bay seat over Liberal John Carrick.
MP Joe Comuzzi crossed the floor in 2007 after leaving the Liberal Caucus and joined Stephen Harper’s Conservatives, but did not seek re-election in 2008, when the seat went to Bruce Hyer and the NDP. Liberal Patty Hajdu, who will seek re-election this fall, captured the seat in 2015.
The NDP have yet to name a nominee, although former Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum has put her name forward. The Green Party also has yet to name a candidate.
Thursday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
