A Winnipeg lawyer and head of the provincial association of insurance brokers is giving strong consideration to running for the Tory nomination in Winnipeg South.
David Schioler, the CEO of the Insurance Brokers of Manitoba, told the Sun on Tuesday he is intrigued by the opportunity that exists in the riding that was vacated when longtime MP Rod Bruinooge stepped down last week.
“A big part of my job now is lobbying and being involved in politics, so it’s a natural for me,” Schioler said. “I’ve always kept my eye on the ball on what would be a good time to do it, whether it be federally or provincially … You have to see when and if it’s the right time and this one’s fairly attractive for a lot of reasons.”
Part of the lure for Schioler, he said, is the perception the riding is a winnable one for Conservatives. Bruinooge has held the seat since 2006 when he edged out Reg Alcock, who had won the previous four elections there.
Schioler ran unsuccessfully in St. James in the 1993 federal election. He said he knows Bruinooge well and will eventually consult with him on his decision.
Schioler said his fiscal principles line up with Bruinooge, but acknowledged socially he is not as far right as Bruinooge, who was a pro-life advocate and, in 2006, voted in favour of a Conservative motion to “restore the traditional definition of marriage.”
“I think there’s fiscal responsibility in conservatism where we’re quite similar,” Schioler said. “Rod’s known as very much a conservative guy in his social outlooks on things. I’m probably not as right-wing as Rod that way but more moderate than he is. But certainly on the fiscal side I think we’re similar.
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