Lali “out of the race but still in the game”

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The money wasn’t there for NDP  leadership candidate Harry Lali, who took himself out of the NDP leadership race on Thursday.

Lali cited the high costs the party expects in order for a candidate to run as the main factor for his not continuing in the race.

“In order to run a competitive NDP leadership campaign one needs to spend well over $100,000,” Lali said.“Which means one has to raise at least $215,000.”

“In all honesty, and politics aside, to paraphrase what my good friend Rich Coleman said in December, ‘The money’s all there, the team’s there...but my heart’s not in it.’

Well, for me, it is the opposite – my heart’s definitely there, but the money and the resources are not.

Lali is referencing Coleman who surprised many and did not run himself for the top B.C. Liberal position, instead quickly endorsing current liberal front runner Kevin Falcon.

“The three NDP front runners are all vying for my support,” says Lali.

“I have about three thousand members signed and I will basically use that to stand up for rural British Columbians.”

“I may be out of the race but I am still in the game.”

Lali says he is not siding with any of the remaining candidates until he is assured they will be committed to ensuring rural issues are taken seriously.

“Most of the wealth is generated in rural B.C. and we have to start getting our share back,” says Lali.

“Who is going to be committed to bringing about a resolution to the Indian land claims? Who is going to channel funds and resources towards First Nations so they can realize their educational and economic goals? Who is going to look after ranching and agriculture? I will support the person who is going to stand up for rural B.C. and say yes we have a real problem and it needs to be changed.”

Lali’s departure leaves MLAs Adrian Dix, Mike Farnworth, John Horgan, Nicholas Simons, along with pot activist Dana Larsen, eager to  replace former leader Carole James.