The BC Liberals Richmond incumbents were still reveling this week in the glory of their own and their partys resounding victory Tuesday night.
But if either Linda Reid or John Yap see Premier Christy Clarks name flashing up on their cellphones any time soon, they may consider tapping ignore.
Yap and especially Reid are being tipped in political circles as candidates to make way for Clark who, provided the still-to-be-counted overseas ballots dont change the result in Point Grey, lost her seat to the NDPs David Eby.
A byelection would be sparked by any such stepping down and Yap, now in his third term in Steveston, and Reid, in her sixth in the East riding, tick many of the boxes required to attract Clark.
(Clark) has got to try to find a safe seat thats in strong Liberal territory and likely in Metro Vancouver, as shes been identified as an urban candidate, said Keith Baldrey, Richmond News political columnist and Global BCs chief political correspondent.
Places such as West Vancouver, Richmond and, south of the Fraser River, there is South Surrey and Langley.
Those are the logical places it would come from.
Reid fits the bill, said Baldrey, in that shes the longest serving MLA in the Legislature.
Id be surprised if shes not considered. And shes likely maxed out on her pension, which would also make her ideal.
I dont think you can expect someone whos been elected for the first time (such as Teresa Wat in Richmond Centre).
A veteran MLA in a safe seat is likely the choice.
That, according to Baldrey, would also likely bring in Yap, Ralph Sultan (West Vancouver/Capilano) and Gordie Hogg (South Surrey/White Rock).
These are all people whove been around a long time and might consider making way, he added.
Its a difficult decision for anyone, but they simply have to get Clark into the Legislature and thats the only way to do it.
Theres no urgency, however, as Clarks homelessness will only become an issue when the Legislature is in session.
If she reconvenes the House in the fall, then it will become an issue, insisted Baldrey.
And its a 28-day campaign (by-election), so we could be talking early September before anything happens.
