Thanks to a reader for writing to let us know that the first NDP nomination meeting in an incumbent riding has now been scheduled:

• Elmwood – Transcona, MB - It seems that one of the newest additions to the NDP caucus will be the first one to be renominated, as the Elmwood – Transcona NDP has scheduled its nomination meeting for Monday, June 29. Current M.P. (and former MLA) Jim Maloway was first elected in 2008 to replace long-time NDP M.P. Bill Blaikie, and is expected to be the only candidate on Monday. He maintained most of Blaikie's previous vote share in 2008, while the Liberals fell below the candidate rebate threshold of 10% (obtaining just 6.6% of the vote) in the face of a strengthening Conservative vote under the candidacy of the Swedish former Winnipeg Jets hockey player, Thomas Steen. Maloway may have maintained Blaikie's vote share, but clearly took no chances in the campaign: spending some 95% of the limit compared with Blaikie's previous spending of 50-60% (down from a high of 67% in 1997). Steen, on the other hand spent less than the 2006 Conservative campaign but more than their 2004 one (78% vs. 95% and 48% respectively), while Liberal Wes Penner hiked Liberal spending somewhat from earlier outings.

The NDP, as mentioned, is also nominating its candidate for the possible by-election riding of New Westminster--Coquitlam, BC this coming Sunday, June 28, and will thus FINALLY have a bar on the chart on the front page. And that will apparently make the reader mentioned above quite happy indeed.

How can the Pundits' Guide make you happy? Get in touch and pass along details of candidates and nominations in your neck of the woods, and then follow us on Twitter.

Labels: 41st General Election Nominations, NDP