Veteran politician Dave Boushy is endorsing former Tory legislator Christine Elliott to be the next leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party.
The former Sarnia-Lambton MPP and Sarnia city councillor says Elliott is passionate and dedicated and has served with honesty and integrity.
Boushy says he got to know Elliott while serving with her late husband.
"Jim Flaherty and I used to sit beside each other when I was MPP," says Boushy. "He introduced me to his family and his three children. It's a nice family and I respect Christine. I think she has the ability and the experience that she inherited from her husband, but as well she was able to be on her own."
Both Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton have thrown their support behind Caroline Mulroney, the daughter of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Boushy is surprised by their support.
"She doesn't have the municipal experience. She doesn't have what Christine has. Yes, I know it's the family name. Yes, I know she's well educated at Harvard. Yes, I know she's a good lawyer. But, we need someone to look after this riding and Christine has been here many, many times," he says.
Boushy served as MPP from 1995-1999.
Former party leader Patrick Brown stepped down in January amid allegations of sexual misconduct which he continues to deny.
Other leadership candidates include ex-Toronto Councillor Doug Ford and Social conservative advocate Tanya Granic Allen.
The new party leader will be chosen March 10, and the Ontario election is set for June 7.
