Mayor Bob Bratina has taken the plunge into federal politics.

Bratina is in the process of filling out the necessary papers to seek the federal Liberal nomination in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

"As I said way back when, I intend to run federally, and now I'm going through the application process."

His move, which has reportedly pleased party leader Justin Trudeau, should squash any suspicion that Bratina might change his mind and seek re-election as mayor.

Riding president Vito Sgro says completing the paperwork — a lengthy document involving police and credit checks — is the first step in becoming a candidate.

Bratina, 70, will become an official candidate when the party approves his application, which then allows him to sell memberships in case of a contested nomination.

Sgro doesn't know if anyone else has taken out papers, but three others have confidentially expressed interest in running.

Sgro says Bratina's high profile is an asset.

"If he's serious and he does go through with it, I think he'll be fantastic. But there are other candidates also and … nobody gets a free ride."

"So if he wants it, he's got to go out and get it."

Bratina was originally believed to be casting an eye on the Liberal nomination in Hamilton Centre, which an unchallenged Anne Tennier claimed last month.

Though Bratina said at the time his first priority was landing a Liberal nomination, his refusal to point-blank rule out seeking a second term as mayor created the impression he was keeping his options open.

The impression he's delivering now is full-steam ahead in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, held by New Democrat MP Wayne Marston since 2006.

"It's where I was born and raised,' said Bratina. "I'm comfortable in the east end of Hamilton. I love it. I live in Corktown now. I've lived in five different ridings and wards in my lifetime, but I'm quite happy to try to get this nomination."

Tyler Banham, newly acclaimed president of the Ontario wing of the Liberal Party of Canada, says Trudeau told him Tuesday he's happy the party has attracted the mayor to the nomination race.

Interestingly, Ward 5 Councillor Chad Collins has also previously expressed interest in running under the Trudeau banner, most likely in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

Though Collins is registered as a candidate in Ward 5 for the Oct. 27 municipal election, rumours persist he still has a hankering to run in the next federal election, scheduled for October 2015.

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Collins could not be reached for comment, but he's made no secret of his admiration for Trudeau, an admiration Bratina shares.

Hamilton East-Stoney Creek has, of course, been politically haunted ground for the Liberals since the bitter 2004 nomination battle between Sheila Copps and Tony Valeri. Though Valeri won the battle, the New Democrats soon afterwards capitalized on lingering party divisions.