It could be another political blow for Premier Greg Selinger.
Low in the polls and still reeling from the aftermath of the PST hike, Selinger is losing another valued team member. Jennifer Howard is leaving politics. The nominated NDP candidate for Fort Rouge announced she's quitting to focus on her two young children and a new job in Ottawa.
".When I reflected more and more on running in this election it became clear to me that my priorities had shifted." Said Howard was one of five former cabinet ministers who led a failed rebellion against Selinger.
Of the five, only Minto's Andrew Swan is running again.
"It's always difficult when you lose excellent MLA's, there's no question about that," said Selinger, as he stood beside Howard during her announcement.
A new poll could show just how difficult it could be for the premier.
A Mainstreet/Postmedia poll shows of decided and leaning voters 52 per cent support the Tories. the NDPis far behind, tied with the Liberals, at 20 per cent, the greens sit at nine per cent.
While Howard's departure could hurt Selinger on Election Day, it could make things easier for her former opponents in Fort Rouge.
Liberal leader Rana Bokhari is vying for the seat.
"Absolutely there's no doubt that she was someone that was going to be a challenge," said Bokhari.
Both Bokhari and the Conservative candidate for the area, Audrey Gordon, say Howard's exit is a reflection on Selinger's leadership.
"Greg Selinger has lost the confidence of his best and brightest MLAs," said Audrey Gordon.
Selinger says each MLA has their own reason for not running again.
"I'm respectful of that and I believe that they've made choices in the best interests of themselves and their families," said Selinger.
Election Day is Apr. 19.
