Yellowknife (Dec 10/03) - Weledeh MLA-elect Joe Handley wasn't accepting any congratulations Tuesday afternoon following decisions from his two challengers to withdraw their names from the race for premier.

"I'll be making a statement but not until after the decision is official," said Handley, who added that it was not too late for somebody else to make a challenge for the leadership.

However, it appears unlikely that any 11th-hour candidate would be able to take away from Handley's momentum.

Monday, challenger Roger Allen, Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA-elect, said he decided to drop out on Saturday after losing more than 50 per cent of his backers.

"Going into this I had seven members supporting me and on Saturday it dropped to three," he said.

Acclaimed Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland decided on Monday to throw in the towel as well, citing "soft" support as the primary reason.

"I've learned from the past that soft support isn't enough," Roland said.

However, Roland said he has strong support for a cabinet posting and is hoping he gets the nod for Minister of Finance or Renewable Resources, Wildlife, Economic Development.

When asked if his decision was made in exchange for a portfolio guarantee, Roland would only comment that he and Handley have agreed to work together no matter what the outcome.

Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen has also expressed interest in the RWED portfolio and a return to his post as justice minister.

As for the premier-in-waiting, Handley's comments indicated that perhaps he expected events to unfold the way in which they did.

"I'm neutral on their decision to withdraw," he said. "Floyd had always told me that he wasn't going to put his name in just to make it a race."