Tight election race for MLA in Stratford-Kinlock

Both the Liberal and Progressive Conservative candidates in Stratford-Kinlock agree it will be a tight vote in that district on election night. 

Incumbent James Aylward is seeking re-election for a second term for the Progressive Conservatives.

David Dunphy is campaigning to win the provincial seat for the Liberals. He's served as mayor of Stratford since 2010 and was re-elected to a second term in November. 

"I really felt that with my experience as mayor with the town, that I can bring a lot to the provincial government for Stratford," said Dunphy.  

Aylward says he's going on his record of serving as MLA for the last three and a half years as he campaigns. 

"I'm hearing from people who have been very satisfied with the way I've performed in the legislature and represented them." 

Alyward said while his competition is a great individual and has been a great mayor, as the incumbent he's receiving a favourable response with his door-to-door campaign. 

"I hear people saying that David Dunphy has been a very good mayor.  And in the same light they say, James, you've been a very good MLA," said Aylward. 

Alyward said the competition is tougher than when he unseated former Liberal MLA Cynthia Dunsford in 2011. 

MacLauchlan has campaigned in the district a number of times and federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau visited Stratford on his tour a few weeks ago. 

Alyward said it is appears the Liberals are targeting the district but he is not worried. He thinks his own door-to-door campaigning will be enough secure the win. 

Dunphy said he thinks with his track record in Stratford, and Wade MacLauchlan as party leader, he has a very good chance of winning back the seat for the Liberals. 

"I expect it to be a very close race for sure. It's hard to tell at the door. You're sort of down there in a bubble going door-to-door."

Dunphy said while he enjoyed being mayor, he made the jump to provincial politics because he wanted to be a part of MacLauchlan's team. 

Voters expect tight race too

Voters in the district have indicated it will be a close race as well. 

"There's only been two to my door so far, the Liberal and the PC.  And I like them both actually. So I'm going to have to wait and see," said Al Harrison. 

"You know, you have the mayor and the MLA Aylward. I don't know, it's a toss-up," said Don Arsenault. "It's gonna be close I think, really close."

Chris van Ouwerkerk is running for the NDP and Samantha Saunders for the Green party.

The candidates have a week left to campaign before the May 4 election.