The Liberal candidate in the Dawson Trail riding says he wishes Ron Lemieux well and thanks him for his many years of service to the riding. Terry Hayward says that was his first reaction upon hearing Tuesday that Lemieux would

Terry Hayward with Liberal leader Rana Bokharinot be seeking re-election April 19th. Hayward adds Lemieux's departure will not change his campaign strategy and notes the Liberals are getting a lot of positive support as he goes door-to-door.

"I think this is one of the reasons on top of many that Ron Lemieux has decided to step down. The NDP is hearing the same thing as we're hearing; that this government has gone past its functional time for Manitobans and for Dawson Trail people and they are definitely look for a change. And the folks in Dawson Trail I believe are leaning very heavily towards the Liberals in this election."

Bob Lagasse (right) with Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen.Meanwhile, Conservative candidate Bob Lagasse says he too wishes Lemieux well.

"I was prepared to run against him and he would have been a formidable opponent as the sitting MLA and I wish him well and I thank him for his many years of service to the people of Dawson Trail and to the people of Manitoba."

Lagasse adds, as far as his campaign goes, it's business as usual.