Missinippi Broadcasting, Friday, January 11, 2008

Dorion Upset With Media Attention On Orchard

One of two men hoping to become the Liberal nominee in a northern Saskatchewan by-election says he can't believe the attention being paid to his competitor.

Cumberland House native John Dorion says it was his campaign that sparked hundreds of constituents to buy Liberal party memberships, and not David Orchard.

Dorion feels Orchard has been given credit by the media for much of his work, and Dorion believes he would beat Orchard if a nomination vote were held today.

He says he's disappointed with how things have turned out, but acknowledges his people heard months ago that Liberal Leader Stephane Dion might appoint a woman to represent the Liberals in the North.

Orchard claims he wasn't told this, and was blindsided by Dion's decision to appoint Joan Beatty outright.

Dorion says he plans to attend a meeting of disgruntled party members tomorrow in Prince Albert to plot his next move.

Orchard says he isn't concerned about Dorion's comments.

He says he's sure both of them worked hard to enlist new Liberals and that should be the end of it.

The organic farmer says he hasn't give up hopes of winning the nomination, and plans to attend tomorrow's meeting in Prince Albert.

He also says he won't consider seeking the NDP nomination or running as an independent in the riding.

Tomorrow's meeting is set to take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Prince Albert Inn.

Liberal MPs and other party officials have been adamant that the gathering is not an official nomination meeting.

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