Terry Whitehead is considering running for the Liberals on Hamilton Mountain in October's federal election.

"I've been approached by a number of high-profile Liberals and friends requesting me to consider running on the Mountain that believe I have the best shot of winning it for the Liberals," said the city councillor who represents Ward 14.

Whitehead says he's made no firm decision yet about whether he'll go up against MP Scott Duvall who currently holds the seat for the NDP and was nominated in November to run again.

However, residents of the riding have recently received calls soliciting support for Whitehead's potential bid. It's not clear who is behind the calls.

"I'm not ready to make any other pronouncements at this point," said Whitehead. "There is a lot to think about obviously."

The president of the Ontario wing of the Liberal Party of Canada says Whitehead took out a Liberal party membership within the last two weeks, which raised speculation about his intentions.

"I have not received any phone calls from him or anybody supporting him," said Tyler Banham. "He just got elected city councillor in October, so I'm a bit surprised."

When asked about high-profile Liberals asking Whitehead to run Banham said, "I live on Hamilton Mountain, I have heard none of that."

Banham points out Whitehead doesn't live in the riding, which ends at West 5th Street north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and at Garth Street on the south side.

Whitehead stated during the municipal election that he lives in Ward 14 which is west of Garth Street.

"He lives in Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas," says Banham.

That riding is held by Liberal Filomena Tassi and she has been nominated to run again.

Banham says there are already three candidates running for the Hamilton Mountain nomination: Shubha Sandill, Bruno Uggenti and Anthony Macaluso.

All three started the process in the summer, said Banham. They have been vetted by the party and approved.

"He hasn't gone through the green light process yet," he said about Whitehead. "It can be a lengthy process. It can take about four to five weeks."

Generally, only two to three weeks notice is given before the nomination is called.

"I would expect this one along with Hamilton Centre to be called relatively shortly," said Banham. "The leader would like to have all our candidates in place pretty shortly. The election is in October. We have to get the candidates out fundraising and getting to know people."

Whitehead does not have to give up his council seat to run in the federal election. Duvall was a sitting city councillor when he ran for Hamilton Mountain in 2015.

Former Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Green did not run again in the municipal election because he was planning to run for the NDP in Hamilton Centre. He was officially nominated in December.

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"Municipal politicians, they are in the awkward position that they just got elected," said Banham.

jfrketich@thespec.com

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