A newcomer to politics and to Vancouver hopes to unseat popular Vancouver East NDP MP Libby Davies in the May 2 federal election.

Roma Ahi, who moved to the city from Toronto a year ago, is running as a Liberal in the traditionally working class riding, which has elected Liberals only twice since it was formed in 1933. It’s slowly gentrifying but Davies earned 54 per cent of the vote in 2008.

The 33-year-old Ahi lives in Vancouver Centre. Another candidate, who worked for the federal government was expected to run, but couldn’t get approval from their employer.

Ahi said she’s taking time off of working to devote to the campaign and will focus on affordable housing, childcare and the environment.

She studied at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California and marketing at the Interactive Advertising Bureau. She was managing editor of a Latin magazine in California, a production manager with Alliance Atlantis, a production manager with CanWest and a marketing executive with Shaw media.

Although Ahi’s campaign has had a delayed start, she said she’s willing to put time in. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned, but it comes back to the commitment that I’m making—I’m putting my career aside right now. I don’t have any other responsibilities.”

Ahi’s campaign manager is Kevin Chalmers, who gained prominence with his campaign to unseat former Vancouver Kingsway MP David Emerson. Chalmers helped elect Emerson as a Liberal in the 2006 election, but turned against him when the high-profile MP crossed the floor to the Conservatives shortly after the election.

Chalmers was also former Liberal leader Stephane Dion’s B.C. communication director.

He maintains election strategy will be key in the race.

“I making sure we put together what I call a real campaign that represents a real voice and a real choice. It’s important to understand as much as we admire Libby and everything she’s done and everything concerned, at the end of the day, I’m thinking she’s getting a little long in the tooth. The question becomes do you want more of a Harper government or do you want to have a real voice and a real choice?”

Chalmers maintains Vancouver East demographics have changed and more voters will consider an alternative to the NDP. “[The question is] are there enough people who are socially conscious and fiscally responsible who want to have a seat at the table, be part of government and make sure Harper doesn’t get in. This is the way to do that,” he said.

Davies has held her seat for 14 years and enjoys substantial voter support, but Chalmers insists Ahi has a shot at being elected even though the last few Liberal candidates have done badly against Davies.

In 2008, Ken Lowe captured 17 per cent of the vote to Davies’ 54 per cent, in 2006 Dave Haggard earned 23 per cent to Davies’ 56 per cent and, in 2004, Shirley Chan won 25 per cent compared to Davies 56 per cent.

Two Liberals—Arthur Lee and Anna Terrana—have been elected in Vancouver East for one term each.

In 1974, Lee captured the seat by only 57 votes against NDP MP Paddy Neale.

Chalmers said underdogs have an advantage because, the favoured candidate’s voting base isn’t necessarily as motivated to get out to vote.

“I have two words for you: Kim Campbell—and ask Hedy Fry if giant killing is possible in Vancouver.”

noconnor@vancourier.com

Twitter: @Naoibh