It is one of the wealthiest ridings in the province. It has been Progressive Conservative since Margaret-Ann Blaney won the riding in 1999. However, there is a turning of the political tide in Rothesay.
Since the Blaney patronage fiasco, the PCs have been slipping in popularity. When Blaney exited her seat shortly after the 2010 election to accept a post handed to her by buddy David Alward, a by-election was called. In a surprise move by the New Democrats; leader Dominic Cardy announced his candidacy in the once firmly right-of-centre riding. The riding was also challenged by a Green, Liberal, and an independent.
No one expected to see such a close threeway race in Rothesay. The riding that once churned out 2800-3000+ votes for the party, barely broke 1600 in that by-election. The Liberal candidate came short by only 300 votes and even the NDP (who were never successful in Rothesay) were only 550 votes behind the PC.
Now that the PC approval ratings have been freefall across the province, and considering Hugh Flemmings III’s less than stellar showing in 2012; many are speculating a change of the guard in Rothesay. Former Saint John MP Paul Zed posted to his Instagram a photo of Liberal candidate Stephanie Tomilson with the caption, “Watch for the riding to change on election night. Positive change coming.”
Interestingly, the Liberal candidate from the 2012 by-election, John Wilcox will be this year’s NDP candidate.
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