By Samantha Maciag

Regina-Palliser could be a battleground

Mar 30, 2011 | 7:03 AM

A federal riding that includes Moose Jaw, southwest Regina and some outlying areas is shaping up to be a political battleground early in the election campaign.

First, NDP leader Jack Layton stopped in Regina-Palliser on Monday, followed by Conservative leader Stephen Harper on Tuesday. University of Saskatchewan political science professor Joe Garcea says it's not your imagination, the riding is a key one.

“It's very important because it's been a swing riding over the last few elections and it's gone to the NDP and to the Conservatives,” he said, explaining it started out as an NDP stronghold in 1996. In 2004, it was won over by the Tories who've held it since.

He adds that the Tories have been able to improve their margin over the NDP since then at the expense of the Liberals. As for the Saskatchewan NDP and Conservative candidates — Noah Evanchuk and Ray Boughen, respectively — Garcea says it will be an interesting race.

“Mr. Boughen is well established and particularly well-known, well I think across the province, but particularly in Moose Jaw where he was mayor,” Garcea said. But Garcea predicts Evanchuk could give Boughen a real run for the seat.

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Evanchuk “seems to be quite energetic and quite willing to take anything and anyone on at any time,” Garcea remarked.

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