THREE RIVERS, P.E.I. - Only two of the five PC leadership candidates say they would run as a candidate if they lost the leadership race.
During Thursday night’s leadership debate, party moderator Michael Drake asked each of the candidates if they would commit to running as a PC candidate, even if they lost the race.
Sarah Stewart-Clark is the only candidate to win a party nomination so far. She confirmed she still plans to run in Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park.
Shawn Driscoll also pledged to stand for nomination in Charlottetown-West Royalty, win or lose.
Dennis King did not commit to running. He pointed out that both he and leadership candidate Allan Dale live in District 15, Brackley-Hunter River. As the two are both running for leader, this raised uncertainty.
"It's not fair for me to sit here today and to say I'm going to run even if I don't win because, for me, it's not a simple answer," King said.
Dale was surprised to learn that King lived in his riding. Nonetheless, he said he intended to run in the district, even if he lost the leadership.
"I'd be happy to serve in District 15 for sure," he said.
Kevin Arsenault said he currently lives in the riding of Morell-Donagh, currently represented by PC MLA Sidney MacEwen.
“Man, I would not beat Sidney MacEwen,” Arsenault said, to laughs from the audience.
Arsenault said the executive of the PC Party had advised him to focus on the leadership race.
