By Ossie Michelin
APTN National News
Labrador – A mid-May snow and freezing rain storm hasn’t stopped voters from coming out to the ballot box in Labrador Monday.
Thousands of people have already cast their votes in what is shaping up to be a tight race.
A federal by-election was called in March when former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Penashue announced he would be stepping down and seeking re-election.
It was revealed Penashue received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal donations to his election campaign in the 2011 federal election, beating Liberal incumbent Todd Russell by 79 votes.
Penashue’s biggest rival, Liberal Candidate Yvonne Jones, is looking to take back the Labrador riding, which was once regarded as a long time Liberal stronghold.
Jones was previously a provincial Liberal representing Labrador’s South Coast. Research poles put Jones well ahead of Penashue, but those on the ground say it is too close to call at this point.
New comer to politics, Harry Borlase has made significant inroads for the NDP in Labrador, especially in Labrador West and Inuit communities on Labrador’s North Coast. The NDP have never had much luck in Labrador, but according to research poles Borlase is at a close third.
Many in Labrador are saying they cannot remember a political campaign this heated, and this close.
APTN will bring you updated election coverage online and on APTN National News tonight.
Twitter: @osmich
Looking forward to the “buy” election results in Labrador!