Hamiltonians weigh in on Bratina’s parliamentary bid

Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina wants to run for the federal Liberals.

He is in the process of filling out all necessary paperwork in the application process. It has been reported that this shift to federal politics has pleased party leader Justin Trudeau.

His riding choice: Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, the area Bratina was born and raised. Riding president Vito Sgro says completing all the paperwork including a police and credit check is just the first step in becoming a candidate.

Once the party approves his application, Bratina, 70, will be allowed to sell memberships in case of a contested nomination.

The riding president says he does not know if anyone else has taken out the application paperwork but has said three others confidentially expressed interest in running.

It was originally believed that Bratina would seek nomination in Hamilton Centre which an unchallenged Anne Tennier claimed last month. The impression is that Bratina is full steam ahead in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, which has been held by NDP MP Wayne Marston since 2006.

CHCH’s Nicole Martin got reaction from Hamiltonians this morning.