No go for Nettie Wiebe

Long time NDP member Nettie Wiebe's announcement that she is not running for the leadership of the provincial party didn't surprise many supporters.

"It's not a surprise. She has to weigh her options. She has invested a lot of time both provincially and federally - and certainly, in the last few years it's been a federal perspective," said Valerie Mushinski, a Prince Albert NDP candidate from last federal election.

Wiebe said she is sticking to federal politics because she wants to get more progressive representation from this province to Ottawa.

"I think there are some very important issues being discussed and decided in Ottawa and I fear that Saskatchewan is not well represented there," she said.

This leaves Dwain Lingenfelter as the only person who has put his name in the running to lead the provincial party.

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Darcy Furber said the other people who are considering entering the race will be doing so shortly.

"Truthfully, I expect an announcement of some kind this week sometime," he said.

Pat Atkinson is out of the country until the end of the month but her name as well as Regina lawyer Yens Pedersen and MLA Deb Higgins have been tossed around as potential contenders.

"I'm certainly looking forward to a race," Furber said.

Mushinski finds the names of people who are considering entering the race refreshing. She said it is important to have a number of candidates so the party doesn't just have a coronation.

"What's important is we have that engagement," Mushinski said, adding it gives the candidates a chance to talk about "issues and policies."

The person who wins the leadership race will need to be prepared to meet federal counterparts as equals, she said.

"That strength is key if we are to move forward as a province," Mushinski said.

Wiebe has not thrown her support behind any candidate or potential candidate yet and is waiting to see who will enter.

However, she is glad women are considering taking on leadership roles.

"It's extremely important to have women's voices, not just as token voices but as leadership and influential voices in our democracy," Wiebe said.

Mushinski also sees a need for more women in politics.

"Canada is lagging behind many, many, countries in terms of women in politics," she said.

"We're not there and I think it's a disservice to us as a province and a country that we're not there and I think it's heartening to see that (at least) two women are considering."

Furber has supported the only contender Lingenfelter since his announcement at the end of last year.

"You want someone with vision and someone who is committed to winning in 2011," said Furber.

ahill@paherald.sk.ca