Chan beats Peschisolido for Liberal nomination

Last Updated Sun, 14 Mar 2004 11:59:33
RICHMOND, B.C. - Raymond Chan, a former Liberal cabinet minister from British Columbia, has been given another shot at federal politics after winning his party's nomination for Richmond.

Supporters lifted Chan off the floor in celebration Saturday night after he won the tense race against current Liberal MP Joe Peschisolido.

Chan served as Richmond MP for seven years until he lost the 2000 election to then-Canadian Alliance candidate Peschisolido.

Peschisolido later crossed the floor of the House of Commons to join the Liberals.

Chan had tears in his eyes as he accepted the nomination. "At this time it's very emotional for myself because all these years I always feel that I still have some years to give back to Canada," he said.

The former secretary of state for Asia-Pacific affairs won by about 200 votes.

Emotions also ran high outside the nomination meeting. There were shouting matches and a scuffle between supporters from the two camps.

Police are investigating allegations that a Chan supporter hit a Peschisolido supporter with a campaign sign.

Written by CBC News Online staff

Chan is the man, again

By Martin van den Hemel

Raymond Chan earned the local Liberal Party's nomination Saturday night, edging the man who unseated him, Joe Peschisolido, by just 186 votes.

And although Chan is now the front runner to become Richmond's next Member of Parliament during the upcoming federal election, he inherits a clearly-divided party.

Sources tell The Richmond Review that the winning margin was less than 200 votes, and another source indicated it was exactly 186 votes.

Of the 2,634 votes cast, 1,405 had Chan's name on them, with 1,219 carrying the name of Peschisolido. There were also 10 spoiled ballots, sources say. Liberal Party representatives refused to indicate the numbers, only announcing that Chan was the victor.

Wiping tears from his eyes as his supporters came to his side and congratulated him with hugs and hand shakes, Chan was quick to point out that a united party is crucial for success in the next election.

Chan welcomed his opponents' supporters, noting that Peschisolido has "many skills and much experience."

Peschisolido was classy in defeat, quickly walking up to Chan and shaking his hands.
"Well done. Let's work together in B.C.," Peschisolido said with his signature smile, his words nearly drowned out by the jubilation.

Chan said he made mistakes early on in his political career, but said he was committed to going back to the grass roots and listening to the concerns of his constituents.
He said he will listen to the people of Richmond before representing their views in Ottawa.
"There's a lot that I have learned in the last couple of years," he said, adding that he will try to earn the trust of locals and build on that trust.

For more reaction on this story read Thursday's edition of The Richmond Review.

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