Coleman backs Falcon in B.C. Liberal race

B.C. Solicitor General Rich Coleman announced he is throwing his support behind B.C. Liberal leadership candidate Kevin Falcon, on Wednesday morning in Vancouver.

Coleman said it was an easy decision to support Falcon, who is a good personal friend, because he is the sort of fiscal conservative the province and the B.C. Liberal Party needs.

"I think what this province needs today is we have to keep the eye on the ball. And the reality is this, we are still in tough economic times we still have significant times budgetary and we need a leader who keep his eye on the ball fiscally and bring investment to British Columbia," said Coleman.

Coleman, who is known as being an influential minister with a strong organization behind him, had considered his own run for leadership, but said he is now turning his campaign resources over to Falcon.

For his part, Falcon says he is delighted to have Coleman on his side.

"He is one of the most effective ministers because in whatever role Rich Coleman has held with our government, with public safety, as forest minister, as minister responsible for housing, he has been an exceptional leader in our cabinet, our caucus and in our government," said Falcon.

So far, five former B.C. cabinet ministers have announced they are running for the leadership of the B.C. Liberal Party, which is scheduled to pick a new leader to replace Premier Gordon Campbell on Feb. 26.