Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 26/04) - The starting gun for the 2004 federal election has sounded, but not everybody is out of the gates.

With the Conservatives still scrambling to find a candidate, the Western Arctic appears to be heading towards a showdown between just two political forces -- perennial runners-up the NDP and Ethel Blondin-Andrew's Liberal juggernaut. Election day is June 28.

NDP candidate Dennis Bevington greets potential voters outside the Yellowknife Post Office, Tuesday. Bevington and Liberal MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew, agree Yellowknife is a key battleground in the federal election. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

NDP candidate Dennis Bevington, who came in second to Blondin-Andrew during the last election in 2000, promises he will be harder to beat this time.

He previously polled well in larger centres like Yellowknife and his home town, Fort Smith, but was badly beaten in the smaller, mainly aboriginal communities where Blondin-Andrew's Dene heritage seemed to tip the balance in her favour. "I'm running for a second time so I have a greater degree of recognition through my work on the last campaign," said Bevington.

"I think a lot of times people in small communities take a while to understand who you are and what you stand for."

Bevington said his extensive travels in recent years to smaller communities as the territorial advisor on energy should help bolster his profile.

He also thinks the Liberal's considerable political baggage this time around -- including the $100 million sponsorship scandal -- will also work in his favour. "I sense a real mood for change within the electorate," said Bevington.

"Three consecutive majorities has produced an administration that is arrogant, complacent, and that has chosen to interpret the rules of governing anyway they feel fit."

With only two major parties in this race so far, Yellowknife appears to be the key battleground for the hearts and minds of voters.

Both candidates plan to stay in the city this week. Bevington hopes the large, mainly industry and government-employed pool of voters will push him to the top. Blondin-Andrew will move to shore up ground lost during the last campaign.

"Yellowknife is key," said Blondin-Andrew. "There are a number of critical issues that have to be dealt with in the city."

Blondin-Andrew said she is confident she will win a fifth term in office, but isn't expecting this campaign to be a cakewalk. "Every issue is important, every dynamic has to be observed, and I think your senses have to be very acute about everything," said Blondin-Andrew.