Loewenberg in 'shock' over Cimino's resignation

Paul Loewenberg, who ran against Joe Cimino Oct. 6, 2013 to lead Sudbury's New Democrats in the June 12 provincial election, said he is in “shock” following Cimino's resignation announcement.

Loewenberg, speaking to NorthernLife.ca from a music conference in Montreal, said whatever Cimino's personal reasons are for resigning, he, and the rest of the riding association, hope Cimino is in good health.

He also expressed disappointment in the possibility of losing a seat in the legislature.

“It's sad, that after 18 years of work to get the NDP back in seat in Sudbury, we finally did it, we have to resign that seat five months later,” Loewenberg said.

The riding association will meet immediately to discuss its next steps.

All of the major riding associations will meet to nominate a candidate, and, within six months, the premier will call a by-election to elect a replacement.

“Sometimes, they wait for several by-elections to build up, so that it's more cost-effective,” Loewenberg said. “By-elections cost in the hundreds of thousands. It's quite an expensive process.”

As for whether or not Loewenberg will seek nomination for the Sudbury NDP riding association, he said a lot of discussions have to take place before he makes a decision.

“I have to talk with my wife, my family and my employers, and the executive of the provincial NDP,” he said. “All candidates have to be vetted through the provincial secretary, and we would have to go back and have that conversation.”