Prince George, B.C.-  There are now two candidates vying for the  leadership  of the New Democrats in B.C.

Mike Farnworth was the first out  of the gate,  and last evening John Horgan  threw his hat into the ring.

Outgoing leader, Adrian Dix  says he isn’t going to  endorse anyone “I’m  the leader now, and I’m going to be neutral in the race. Obviously John and Mike I know well and  I think highly of both of them.  I think it’s going to be a great race, it’s going to be exciting.”

Dix says one of the places for that excitement will be Prince George “It’s essential  that the NDP , if we are to  form government does well in Prince George.  We’re going to continue the effort here and I think both of those candidates you’re going to see often here.”

Although not wanting to speculate,  Dix says  he expects there to be “two or three” in the running for the party leadership. “Leadership races inevitably come down to two or three people, that’s the nature of it.  They are the best known people., they come forward and they run.”

With two already  announcing their  intentions,  that leaves  the  possible “third”  candidate yet to  step  forward.

Sitting at Dix’s side today for a  news conference on  a different matter, was Harry Bains,  MLA for the riding of  Surrey Newton and labour critic for the NDP.  Bains  says he is not going to  enter the race “It was actually flattering when people have asked me ( to run)  but no,  I think there are better candidates out there and I think they will do a much better job.”

The provincial New Democrats will  select their new leader in September.