Now that the latest all-candidates forum in the Battlefords is in the books, the four hopefuls running for the NDP leadership intend to continue their campaign up until the vote March 9.
Ryan Meili, Trent Wotherspoon, Erin Weir and Cam Broten were in the Battlefords at the leadership forum at the Western Development Museum Jan. 24.
Of the four, Meili is the only contender who was also a candidate in the 2009 leadership race that elected Dwain Lingenfelter. Meili told reporters he notices a difference in the 2013 race.
"Last time it was thought to be a fait accompli from day one because Mr. Lingenfelter was a very well-known figure", said Meili, "and while I ended up being able to make it a close race at the end it was certainly a more polarized race between Dwain and the other three candidates."
"Now we have four candidates, all of similar age, all with strong backgrounds and good arguments. So it's a little more even and it's only been over the last few weeks that we've seen some separation in the pack."
Meili noted that over the last few debates some distinctions have emerged among the candidates.
"I thinks that's helpful for the voters to see different approaches," said Meili.
Wotherspoon said he was happy to see the good turnout on what had been a tough day weather-wise.
"What a great turnout on a cold evening with not the best roads here tonight, so that's certainly encouraging for the party and myself as a candidate."
One of the major themes of the race so far has been candidates' plans for rebuilding the party, which currently sits at nine seats in the legislature. Wotherspoon has been touting both renewing the party "with purpose" as well as building a vision for the province.
"I'm excited about both parts - about painting and working together to build that vision for the future of Saskatchewan, and ensuring that we renew and build our party with purpose. That's required, so that we can be the force that we need to be to effect the change that we're working towards."
Broten said he believed the evening was "an opportunity for each of the candidates to clearly state what their plan is for the party, because that's the question that's facing New Democrats right now, is how best do we rebuild throughout the province."
He pointed to the need for "leadership that's proven, having been elected and conducted oneself in the legislature, and also demonstrate an ability to take on the Sask. Party in a constructive and respectful way, and it's also important to have leadership that's principled, leadership that's rooted in the values that we hold as New Democrats."
Weir thought the debate had been a "great opportunity to talk about ideas and explore some of the policy differences between candidates.
"I think that the Battlefords is clearly an important part of the province for rebuilding our party so it's a great opportunity for all the leadership candidates to connect with New Democrats in this part of our great province."
