Howie has made this election one to watch

Howard Hampton's announcement that he will be retiring from his long time held seat as our Member of Provincial Parliament has certainly made the upcoming election way more interesting... at least for me.
Over the past two decades Hampton faced some close challenges at election time but holding true to the riding's tradition, he was re-elected time and time again.
The riding has traditionally elected someone they have confidence in to do a good job and put them back there over and over again. The Reid brothers of Kenora were a prime example, both Pat and John were reelected to represent us at the federal and provincial levels over and over again.
Bob Nault also held the federal seat for several elections in a row.
So now that Howie has decided to call it quits, the question I find myself asking is, "Who will be the next long term MPP?"
With him off the playing field I fully expect the Tories to come up with a strong candidate, smelling blood at the polls.
I am sure there have been many people who considered running against him over the years, but felt it was futile.
There is already strong interest in his seat from his own party and last week the Liberals nominated a young man from Emo.
Whoever wins the election, they will have their work cut out for them. Hampton was always front and center when it came to his riding's interests. He is leaving big shoes to fill.
I know I will be glued to the election results in October, in anticipation of seeing who will be in them!

–Until then,
Ken