Politics
Wildman was first elected to the legislature in the provincial election of 1975, defeating incumbent Progressive Conservative Bernt Gilbertson by 398 votes. Wildman's victory was regarded by many as an upset; he received support from NDP bastions such as Wawa, but also from more traditionally Conservative areas on the north shore of Lake Huron.
He was re-elected by an increased margin over PC candidate Dave Liddle in the 1977 election, and retained his seat by significant margins in the elections of 1981, 1985, 1987 and 1990.
Wildman supported Jim Foulds's bid to lead the provincial NDP in 1982, and made little secret of his opposition to Bob Rae's leadership in the years that followed. He was actively preparing a leadership campaign of his own in early 1990, as Rae appeared ready to leave provincial politics and run for the leadership of the federal NDP. By all accounts, he was extremely disappointed when Rae eventually decided to remain as provincial leader.
Read more about this topic: Bud Wildman
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