Kovach Confirmed as the Conservative Candidate for Guelph

In a non-upset, unsurprising move, the Guelph Electoral District Association (EDA) of the Conservative Party of Canada has announced that Gloria Kovach has been acclaimed as the party's candidate for the Guelph riding in the upcoming Federal Election. The Conservatives are the last major party in the Royal City to announced their candidate for the election, which is expected to be called this fall for October 19.

“As a life-long resident of Guelph, I am honoured to represent Guelph Conservatives in the upcoming Federal election,” Kovach said in a press release. “Guelph is a dynamic and diverse city. I look forward to speaking with residents about how experienced leadership can ensure a prosperous future for Canadian families.”

Kovach retired from city council last October after over 20 years representing Ward 4, and served a stretch as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities during that time. Her first foray into Federal politics was in 2008, when Guelph was a again an open seat. She finished a close second, losing to Liberal Frank Valeriote by a little less than 1,800 votes.

“Gloria is a tremendous candidate with a long history of serving our community with passion and integrity,” said Steve Vos, President of the Guelph Conservative EDA.

Kovach's selection as the nominee should not come as much of a shock if you've been the recipient of any telephone surveys in the last couple of months. Kovach's name has been the only one associated with the Conservative Party nomination, with the notable exception - in my own personal experience - of former Environment Commissioner Gord Miller, who's now running for the Green Party here in Guelph. Perhaps the party and the EDA feel that Kovach's results in '08 are a good base to build on in open race without an incumbent, especially since Marty Burke won over 19,000 votes in 2011 in spite of his controversies.

Kovach will be vying against Liberal Lloyd Longfield, New Democrat Andrew Seagram, and Green Gord Miller in the race to replace Valeriote who announced his retirement last November.