Buri wants to run for Liberals

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This article was published 11/03/2011 (5638 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former New Democratic Party member George Buri sent shockwaves into the race to be Brandon West’s next MLA by announcing on Thursday he will seek the Liberal party’s nomination instead.

"I was a longtime Liberal and have supported them federally," Buri said. "I feel more comfortable with the Liberals at this moment."

Buri, a former Brandon school board chairman, informed the New Democrats on Jan. 14, he was not interested in running under their banner.

"It’s a big commitment," Buri told the Sun in February, when current Brandon School Division board of trustees chairman Jim Murray announced he would seek the NDP nod in Brandon West.

On Thursday, Buri said he was not comfortable with the government’s direction on education and other matters and, "went back to my roots."

"Funding the (tax incentive grant), all those things that put the (school) division in very difficult positions as far as making decisions about whether to take (the tax incentive grant) or not," Buri said. "I know how hard it is. I don’t envy the school board."

Murray, who is uncontested heading into the NDP’s joint Brandon West/Brandon East nomination meeting on March 21, welcomed his former colleague to the race with open arms.

"I consider George a friend and we served together on school board for four years," Murray said.

"George is a thoughtful, intelligent man and he’s a gentleman. I would welcome George in this race."

Murray noted having two candidates with ties to the school division will increase the profile of education issues "a notch."

A Manitoba Liberal Party press release noted Buri was considered a star candidate, should he win the nomination. However, Buri could face opposition, if another candidate files nomination papers by April 5. Buri said he did not ask for an uncontested nomination process, and was told the party supports a democratic candidate selection process.

The NDP requires prospective candidates to file papers and be vetted by their candidate selection committee 30 days prior to the nomination meeting, virtually guaranteeing Murray will be the NDP’s man in the constituency.

Progressive Conservatives Reg Helwer and Terry Jaenen are attempting to replace retiring Tory MLA Rick Borotsik in the upcoming October general election. Their nomination battle takes place on April 6.

Both Helwer and Jaenen say Buri’s announcement will likely have an impact on the Brandon West race overall, as it indicated the three major parties were taking a serious run at the seat.

"Historically, the Liberals take votes away from the NDP and that helps Conservatives," Jaenen said. "George is active in the community and people know who he is. There are still Liberals in Brandon West. I think it’s very helpful that there’s a choice."

Helwer said he was "encouraged that good candidates are coming forward."

"Interesting names are coming forward, and I think it’s interesting that individuals who have been identified with one party are able to move across the spectrum to run for another party. There’s certainly nothing legal preventing that, but ethically and morally, maybe you might question that."

Under Progressive Conservative party rules, candidates must have filed their paperwork and be vetted by party officials 10 days prior to the nomination meeting.