The race to replace retiring MP LaVar Payne has it’s first declared candidate. Lethbridge MP Jim Hillyer says that he intends to seek the nomination for the expanded Medicine Hat riding. Hillyer had previously indicated the desire to run for the nomination in the riding after the boundaries were redrawn, but that plan was put on hold after party officials said sitting MP’s could not compete for a nomination in the same riding. Hillyer is the first to state he will seek the nomination. Dan Hein, Paynes former Campaign manager, told Praise FM News that he is still considering seeking the nomination. Hein says he plans to meet with conservatives across the riding over the next few weeks to listen to their thoughts.