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And now the PUP are hoping that they can re-take the seat - with a new candidate who the party endorsed yesterday. As we found out this newcomer is not so new to the division - and the PUP is banking on this familiarity - even if it means invoking the name of a former friend turned enemy:..

Jules Vasquez reporting
An all-star cast of city based and national PUP personalities were on the stage for the Thompson convention. And while the political brass was there, at about 200, the crowd wasn't what you'd call buff.

And while the up and coming PUP's took the front seats, Albert voters shadowed the edges.

They were welcoming back an old friend - part of the most successful political machine the Albert had ever seen.

Paul Thompson, PUP Albert Standard Bearer
"To the people of Albert Division, I say to you that I am a son of Albert, I grew up in the division, I work in the division for over a decade, I understand the needs of the people, I know you and you know me."

"I have personal relationships with many of the voters and constituents in the Albert Division and I believe my relationship with them is a relationship special."

That ten years he's talking about was as part of the Mark Espat machine which dominated Albert elections for three terms - a machine in which Thompson was a central player - but now, he's the centerpiece and Espat is working for the other side.

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"Paul was Mark's right-hand man and so he work very closely with the people of the Albert Division, so he has a good rapport with the people in the division and I think there is a certain level of trust and confidence in him which of course you have to see how that transfers to him as a candidate. But we believe he has very opportunity to do so because of the person he is; good quality, good character individual."

Paul Thompson, PUP Albert Standard Bearer
"A lot of good things were done. I was a part of most of those things and I will continue to do some of these good things. I won't try to re-invent any wheel. Whatever that was done is good I will try to continue and I will try to improve whatever needs to improve on."

Jules Vasquez
"Are there any misgivings within the party because of the known dislike within certain sections of the party for Mark Espat and Paul Thompson having been a high level under Mr. Espat? Are there any misgivings about his loyalty or his trueness?"

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"Not any that have been voiced to me quite frankly and certainly none from me. I am absolutely comfortable with Paul Thompson and I have no problem with Mark Espat - none at all."

And while the PUP leader says he's over Espat - on this day they had to be looking over their shoulder for Phillip Willoughby who was stalking the perimeter:

Jules Vasquez
"Right in the background is the PUP convention. Why are you here?"

Phillip Willoughby, UDP Aspirant - Albert
"Jules, this is my job. I presume that in the best interest of my aspirations, I would like to see what one of the other aspirants for the area, what his supports looks like and if it is genuine."

Jules Vasquez
"Might it not be interpreted that you are here to intimidate people to tell them that I am watching you?"

Phillip Willoughby
"No, like I said I spoke with my advisors. I my opinion I shared with them that I wouldn't take it any way should they come and if they would be lucky enough to win a prize - hey, that's good for them. Nonetheless, they know where their loyalty stands."

Jules Vasquez
"He is here seeing who is coming here. He says because that's his business. He needs to know who are getting customers on the other side and so he needs to monitor his business. How do you interpret his actions?"

Paul Thompson, PUP Albert Standard Bearer
"That's style. I don't know what role he plays, I know the area representative at the moment is Herman Longsworth, so anybody is free to do what they want, but if that his style - then that's his style."

And now the voters will have to choose whose style they like most

Thompson worked in the Albert area for the PUP form 1995 to 2005.