Chisholm wins Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Robert Chisholm, the former leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party, is now the MP for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour.

Chisholm defeated Liberal incumbent Michael Savage, who had represented the riding since 2004.

"When I left politics in 2003, I said, 'I'll never say never.' I had no idea that I would ever get back into politics, but I also know that you just don't say no," Chisholm said after his victory.

Chisholm credited federal NDP Leader Jack Layton for making his victory possible by changing the tone of the campaign.

"He really created a lot of hope, you know, in the minds and hearts of all Canadians, including people from Dartmouth-Cole Harbour. And that's what pushed us over the top," he said.

Chisholm, who was greeted by close to 100 of his excited supporters at Neighbours Pub in Dartmouth, said he was over the moon to win the seat.

"I just want to say to everybody how thrilled I am, of course, to win this election," he said to applause. "I feel so privileged."

Chisholm thanked his workers, including his daughter, Jessie.

Savage arrived at Chisholm's campaign headquarters to extend his congratulations to Chisholm.

"All the best in Ottawa," he said. "I'm sure you'll do very well. So, congratulations to you."

The son of former Nova Scotia Liberal premier John Savage, Mike Savage was looking for his fourth term.

"I don't think there's many secrets here," Savage said after his defeat. "I knew for a couple of weeks that it was going to be a difficult fight when there was talk of a surge by the NDP across the country.

"We knew it was going to be a tough fight and, at the end of the day, the people make their decision and their decision is right."

Savage acknowledged that Chisholm, who came within one seat of becoming the premier of Nova Scotia in 1998, was a formidable opponent.

"On the other hand, I'm proud of the work that I've done as a Member of Parliament," Savage said. "In six weeks [ of the campaign], no one told me I was a rotten person. But I understand how politics works, and you accept the judgment of the voters."

Savage was the only Nova Scotia MP to lose his seat.

The riding had previously been held by the NDP's Wendy Lill. She was the MP from 1997 until 2004. when she did not run again because of illness.