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ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — It would be hard enough for an untested and unknown political novice to take over the premier’s office in any province.

Frank Coleman, a mild-mannered 60-year-old grandfather and successful businessman with zero electoral experience, is trying to do it in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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He’ll take the Progressive Conservative helm in July and will be sworn in as premier soon after. Provincial law requires an election within a year after that as the lagging Tories, in majority power since 2003, try to win back support.

But since Coleman emerged as the sole leadership contender earlier this spring, he has endured a trial by fire that even party members and supporters say caught his team off guard.

Newfoundlander Tim Powers, an Ottawa lobbyist and Conservative commentator, describes public life in the province this way:

“Politics in Newfoundland and Labrador is like a brawl every night, every day, every hour of the day,” he said. “When you come into it cold as Mr. Coleman did, you’re going to have some growing pains.