By Jeff Nagel Black Press
Aug 10 2005

A trio of prospective candidates say they're considering a run for MP in Surrey-North, the seat left empty by the July 9 death of Independent MP Chuck Cadman.
James Miller, a bus company operations manager and founding director of Delta-based End Youth Violence, said he will seek the Liberal nomination in the riding, but added he will run as an Independent if he doesn't get Liberal party backing.
The Conservatives have selected their candidate - 31-year-old psychology professor David Matta.
Nina Rivet is a third potential contender who may also run as an Independent. Rivet helped form Family Survivors Against Street Racers and worked with Cadman on victim legislation after her sister was killed by street racers.
But Kwantlen University College political scientist Shinder Purewal says the chances of someone who's not a sitting MP winning the riding as an Independent is remote
"Mr. Cadman was elected twice on a party ticket," Purewal noted, adding he built a high profile as first a Reform then a Canadian Alliance MP. "It will be a first if somebody's elected without having any prior experience as an MP from another party."
He said Cadman's campaign was also fueled by constituent anger over him being out-manoeuvred for the Tory nomination.
None of the prospective Independents that have emerged so far are likely to resonate with voters to the degree Cadman did, Purewal said.
The governing Liberals could call a byelection at any time, and must do so within six months. But the actual vote could be set for much later and Purewal says it's likely there will be no byelection ahead of the next general federal election expected by next spring.

James Miller and End Youth Violence can be contacted at (604) 592-6830 or online at www.youthandviolence.com