Incumbent Tory MPs protected from challengers despite promise of open proc

[tuvor]

Incumbent Tory MPs protected from challengers despite promise of open process

OTTAWA (CP) - The Conservative nomination process is facing accusations of secrecy, stonewalling and unfairness, with one snubbed candidate calling for a party investigation.

Earlier this summer, the party announced that in the interest of democracy it would not protect incumbent MPs from those wanting to challenge them for the right to represent their ridings in the next election.

But so far, three would-be challengers with solid backgrounds in their communities and in the party have had their nominations rejected by Tory brass.

"This is not why I joined the Conservative party, and this is not a reflection of the party I belong to," said Paul Lalli, a would-be challenger in British Columbia who was turned down this week with no specific reasons given.

http://www.cjad.com/node/403251