It’s been less than a week since Kootenay Columbia Conservative MP Jim Abbott made his bombshell announcement that he won’t be running in the next federal election and already the first potential candidate has come forward.

But not for the Conservative party although there are noises coming out of the Tory camp too.

The candidate making an announcement now has run twice federally for the NDP, but he’s not announcing for the NDP this time. In fact, Kimberley Councillor Brent Bush is crossing the floor and seeking to be the Liberal candidate in Kootenay-Columbia.

Bush says he has his reasons.

"Even prior to the 2006 federal election, I had grown disillusioned with the direction Jack Layton had been taking the federal NDP. The Party had become much more urban oriented at the expense of it's rural CCF roots. At the same time, Jack Layton has created a cult of personality around himself that I could no longer support.”

Bush says when Layton supported the Harperarper Harper government in Parliament in Sept 2009, he resigned from the NDP.

"In September of 2009 I decided I could no longer support Jack Layton's NDP, yet I still believed that I could do a great job representing the constituents of Kootenay-Columbia at the federal level. As a result, I decided to seek the federal Liberal nomination.”

Bush, who ran against Abbott twice in the federal elections of 2004 and 2006 finishing second both times, says he wasn’t surprised by Abbott’s announcement and wishes him well.

“Although Mr. Abbott and I disagreed on many issues, I respect the fact that he is retiring in order to focus more on his family. For the past 17 years MP Jim Abbott has served the constituents of Kootenay-Columbia with distinction and I wish him well in the future.”

Bush says he believes he can attract voters from across the political spectrum, including environmentalists, small business owners, social democrats and conservatives disillusioned with the Conservative Party.

"The next federal election will mark a turning point for many constituents in the riding. For the past 17 years they have entrusted their vote with someone they knew and respected, Mr. Abbott. Now they will have to choose a new person they can trust to represent them in Ottawa. It will be my job to win their respect and trust and offer myself as the best candidate."

Kootenay-Columbia Liberal Party President Betty Aitchison says no date has been set yet for a nomination meeting but expects Bush’s name will be put forward when one is. Aitchison says she has no problem with the fact that Bush ran previously for the NDP.

“That’s not a problem. The person putting himself forward has a good background, has a good education and has served on council He’s also been involved with the community as a volunteer, and as a volunteer myself, I feel a strong empathy with him.”

But long-time Kimberley NDP member Lowell Paulson is not so optimistic about Bush’s chances. “I think he’s making a mistake, but that’s up to him.” Bush will have a hard time explaining himself during candidate debates and the NDP is already close to having a candidate to replace him, Paulson says.

Kootenay-Columbia Conservative Party President Dave Reeves says no moves have been made to find a successor to Abbott yet and none are expected until at least the party’s AGM April 6 when former broadcaster and Conservative Senator Mike Duffy will be the keynote speaker.

Since Abbott’s announcement, there’s been a strong surge of interest in renewing party memberships, but no candidates have come forward yet seeking to replace Abbott, Reeves said. “I don’t know when an election is going to be called, but we’ve got to be ready.”

Meanwhile some local big names have indicated they’re looking at the Conservative nomination. One of them is Kootenay East MLA and cabinet minister Bill Bennett, who issued the following statement.

"I have always felt so lucky to be the MLA for the best part of BC and I love my work as MLA and cabinet minister. At this point, I plan to stay right where I am. However, I am hearing every day from constituents who want me to serve as MP for the whole region. I have plenty of listening and soul searching to do and I will not be making any abrupt decisions."

Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak has also indicated interest but has not made a statement to this point.

Sparwood Mayor and Regional District of East Kootenay Chairman David Wilks says he’s interested with one caveat. “I’ve thought about it. I’m certainly interested, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. Certainly a lot will depend on whether Minister Bennett takes a run at the position.

“If Bill goes for it, it will certainly open up a lot of opportunities at the provincial level.”

Another name being heard is Creston Councillor Westley Graham, but no names yet from the northern and eastern parts of the riding including Invermere, Golden and Revelstoke.

One person who’s definitely not interested is RDEK Area C Director Rob Gay. “Oh my God. It’s not something I’d ever consider at this point.”