Former CHCH anchor jumps into political field

One of Hamilton’s most recognizable personalities is entering political life.

Dan McLean confirmed last night that he will be filing his nomination papers and sending them off to Ottawa to compete to be the candidate for the Liberals in the Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale riding.

“I’m a candidate. I still want to contribute to the community,” said Mr. McLean from his home in Lynden. “I couldn’t be involved (in politics) before, now I have the opportunity to help this community.”

Mr. McLean points out he has yet to be selected as the riding’s candidate. The riding’s nominating process is still continuing, he said.

“It is up to the party to make the decision (about his candidacy),” he said.

There was also some indication that former Hamilton West Liberal MP Stan Keyes was also interested in returning to politics. Mr. Keyes, a member from 1988 to 2004, but now president of the Canadian payday Loan Association, was courting the Liberal nomination for the riding.

Since the Liberals’ loss in 2008, the Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale Liberal riding association has undergone a shakeup within its organization over conflicting issues. It was only recently that the association created its nominating committee to seek a potential candidate to defeat Mr. Sweet.