It's Joe vs. Raymond

Liberal nomination to be a rematch of 2000 federal election

When Raymond Chan fell to defeat in the November 2000 election, his parting words were "Stay tuned. You'll hear from me."

Well, he's back.

Today, in the same office where he conceded defeat to then-Alliance candidate Joe Peschisolido, Chan is expected to announce his plan to go head-to-head with Peschisolido for the Liberal nomination.

"I'm ready," Chan told The Richmond Review yesterday. "I feel I'm ready to ask for the support of Richmondites for another chance to serve them."

Chan lost the 2000 election three years ago this month to Peschisolido by 1,136 votes. Fourteen months later, Peschisolido crossed the floor to the Liberals, angering many of his supporters and spawning a failed bid to have him step down and force a byelection.

The Richmond Liberal Constituency Association rejected Peschisolido from the start and has since re-elected a pro-Chan slate.

Western alienation was a strong issue during the 2000 election, and Chan was often criticized as interpreting Ottawa to Richmond and not the other way around.

Chan said if there's something he's learned while out of office, it's that he needs to build better connection with residents.

"I didn't connect enough with the community," said Chan, who has been seen at many community functions over the past year. "I'd like to do a much better job this time. I've already started reaching out to the different sectors of the community."

His recent appearances in the media, however, have not always been well-received. He was criticized for the $120,000 he was paid as an ambassador to the Olympic bid, with some people asking what he did to earn his salary. Chan said he was working behind-the-scenes to generate support.

He also suggested abbreviating the RAV line in order to secure funding, but the federal commitment came through just a few days after.

"It's still going to be a challenge," he said. "I will definitely work to make sure the Richmond line is built."

Chan was Richmond's MP from 1993 to 2000 and was a junior cabinet minister as Secretary of State Asia Pacific.

The Richmond Liberal riding is sending delegates to next week's leadership convention, at which Paul Martin will be crowned leader. Martin is expected to call a spring election, possibly in May.

Both Chan and Peschisolido will be eagerly signing up memberships prior to a nomination meeting, likely early in the new year.

"I respect the decision of the people in 2000," Chan said. "But I think I'm the best person to represent Richmond."

It could be a close race.

"You can't take anything for granted," Chan campaign spokesperson Ian MacLeod said.

Peschisolido was in Ottawa on Wednesday and was unavailable for comment.

He told The Richmond Review recently he's running and has already opened his campaign office at 5726 Lansdowne Rd.

"I plan to continue doing the best I can," he said.

"Paul Martin says there will be open nominations across the country. I hope at the end of the day I will be successful."

Chan's office is located at 2-7420 Westminster Hwy.