“Long odds

Regardless of their background or track record, independent candidates don’t have history on their side. Only three independent candidates have been elected since 1997 in general elections. In 2006, only one independent out of 90 claimed victory.

That sole winner, André Arthur, is back again this year seeking re-election in the riding of Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier southwest of Quebec City.

The radio broadcaster, dubbed “King Arthur,” was a surprise winner in the last election.

This time around, the Conservatives aren’t even running a candidate against him, likely due to the fact that he tended to support the government more often than not.”

For the complete article:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/09/19/f-election-independents.html