The impact of a 2010 sex scandal on the NDP’s byelection hopes in Scarborough-Guildwood will be up to the people, say Ontario new democrats.

Former Toronto mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone was nominated Sunday afternoon to represent Scarborough-Guildwood in the Aug. 1 byelection.

Giambrone’s political comeback shows a jump across the city from Davenport, the municipal riding where he had a seven-year stint as city councillor and TTC chair.

“I’m honoured that the people who live here chose me as their candidate,” Giambrone told reporters.

Giambrone made headlines during the 2010 Toronto mayoral race when it was revealed he had cheated on his now-wife, having sex with another woman on the couch of his city hall office.

However, asked what impact the 2010 sex scandal may have on his election chances, he said he’d leave that up to the voters.

“All the information is out there, and they’ll make that choice. Ultimately it’s up to the residents of Scarborough-Guildwood.”

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath agreed.

“That’ll be up to the people of Scarborough-Guildwood.”

Giambrone’s mayoral bid lasted ten days, after he admitted to lying about his personal life.

NDP supporters filled St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in a sea of orange t-shirts for the meeting, using hand-held signs as fans in the sweltering heat.

An overwhelming majority expressed support for Giambrone.

“He loves the city of Toronto, I think he wants to be involved in any way possible,” said Vittoria Di Santo.

Nisse Vaya said he thinks the sex scandal brings Giambrone more credibility as a person and a candidate.

“I actually think that makes him more human.”

Other voters were concerned about his personal history.

“That was one of the things that held me back of really supporting him,” said Wade Arsenault, who said he hoped Chhabra, a local activist, would win.

“I thought she was more in tune to what the riding needs because she’s from the riding.”

Liberal MPP Margarett Best is set to retire from the riding, leaving a race between Giambrone, Liberal Mitzie Hunter and Progressive Conservative Ken Kirupa in the Aug. 1 byelection, one of five being held that day.

Liberal Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities who represents Scarborough-Centre, raised concerns about Giambrone’s nomination.

"This by-election is about creating jobs, investing in transit, and helping people in their everyday lives. Scarborough residents shouldn't be used for an NDP vanity project to kickstart a stalled political career,” Duguid said in a statement.

Horwath said the riding needs an MPP to focus on health care, transit, and skyrocketing costs of living.

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The NDP leader voiced her support for Giambrone, noting his experience as TTC chair.

“I know that he’s very aware of some of the transportation challenges that face some of the good people in this riding.”

With files from Robert Benzie.

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