Prime Minister Stephen Harper, left, and Fabian Manning address the Conservative Atlantic Caucus in Fredericton on Aug.14, 2008.Michael David Smith
Newfoundland and Labrador Senator Fabian Manning is to announce Monday that he will be running for the Conservatives in the riding of Avalon.
He has scheduled a press conference for Monday evening at the Star of the Sea Hall in Holyrood, Newfoundland.
Mr. Manning's departure from the Senate follows that of Larry Smith, who resigned Friday. Mr. Smith, a former football player and former commissioner of the CFL, was appointed in December 2010 to the upper chamber. He made it clear at that time that he would be the Conservative candidate in the Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Louis.
Mr. Harper encouraged Mr. Manning to leave the Senate to run, sources say.
He was appointed to the Senate in January 2009 after he lost the Avalon riding to Liberal Scott Andrews in the 2008 election. Mr. Manning, who had only served one term, from 2006 to 2008, was, in part, a victim of former premier Danny Williams's "Any But Conservative" campaign. He was angry with Stephen Harper over equalization issues.
With Mr. Williams now retired, the electoral prospects in Newfoundland appear much rosier for the Tories.
The province is shaping up to be vital for Conservative fortunes. In addition to Mr. Manning, former Williams finance minister Loyola Sullivan is expected to be the Conservative candidate in the riding of St. John's South - Mount Pearl. Mr. Sullivan is expected to resign as Mr. Harper's Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation. He will be running against Liberal MP Siobhan Coady. In addition, Peter Penashue, former leader of the Labrador Innu Nation, will run for the Conservatives in Labrador.