The next federal election hasn't been called yet, but it's widely expected to be called in late March for a spring vote.
When it is, sitting MP Anthony Rota says he expects a contested nomination in Nipissing-Temiskaming to carry the Liberal banner.
"Believe it or not, since Mark Carney initiated his leadership campaign, the interest has gone up and I feel the energy is going up as well," Rota told BayToday. "And we have three people who have expressed an interest."
Rota says he won't run again and has thrown his support behind perceived front-runner Mark Carney to lead the party.
See: Rota endorses Mark Carney for Liberal leader
"I'm very impressed with his way of handling issues," said Rota of Carney. "I'm sure he would make a great Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party. He's someone who actually looks at all the details and brings them together in one place and actually puts them into terms that people can understand. It's really important to be able to communicate with people. He's personable and brilliant, both at the same time."
Cassidy Villeneuve is the local Conservative candidate.
See: Villeneuve plans to 'turn Nipissing—Timiskaming blue'
The local NDP has two people seeking the nomination, Valerie Kennedy and Riley X. T. McEntee.
See: Local federal NDP nomination to be a contested affair
The Green Party has yet to name a candidate.