This news analysis article discusses the challenges of running for election and keeping the job. The 2018 article interviews Kevin Deveaux, as a former MLA and expert in parliaments, to get a better understanding of the difficulties in keeping one’s seat in parliament. 

Preview:

“On Saturday, when Nova Scotia Progressive Conservatives choose a new leader, there may be as much relief as celebration among the five leadership contenders and their supporters.

For perceived front-runner Tim Houston, who launched his campaign months ahead of his four rivals, this has been an almost yearlong slog. John Lohr, Cecil Clarke, Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin and Julie Chaisson each joined the race at the beginning of this year.

All five have been criss-crossing the province in search of support, meeting and greeting in church halls and basements, discussing policy at kitchen tables and debating each other at official party forums.

They have worked hard to outpace their opponents in signing up new members, cajoling existing rank-and-file conservatives to their side and selling their policy initiatives.

But those who have been involved in previous leadership contests say the hard work really starts after the ballots are counted and a new leader is crowned.

In fact, keeping the job they have fought so hard to win may be tougher than the leadership race itself…”