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Candidate Jeff Callaway, the former president of the Wildrose party, says the price won’t keep him out of the race, but says it does raise concerns.

“I’ve been hearing from the grassroots that they would rather see campaigns spending their money on getting out the message instead of on paying for expenses to actually run a race,” said Callaway.

“And they think it’s kind of cost-prohibitive for other candidates to get in the race. That being said, we’ll abide by whatever the number is.”

Robyn Henwood, the chair of the committee setting up the race, said the final figure will be set in the next few days.

“We’re just looking at a few more small details. I hope to get this out as soon as possible,” Henwood said in an interview.

She said organizers are double-checking the estimates to make sure they are not underestimating expenses — such as the price of confirming voter identification — to avoid going into deficit.

The fee will include $25,000 that will be refunded provided the candidate engages in good conduct and does not violate the rules of the race.

Henwood said the $25,000 could be included in the $75,000 or be on top of it, which would push the total entry fee to $100,000.

She says while the fee appears high, it’s one price tag and candidates will not be asked to rebate a percentage of contributions, as in other campaigns.

The fee is expected to be paid in two instalments, one of which will be payable when the formal race date is set, and the second likely in early October. The new leader will be picked Oct. 28.