Karlo Krauzig has pulled out of his bid for the Liberal nomination in Porter Creek Centre during this year’s territorial election.
Since his withdrawal, Paolo Gallina has been acclaimed as the Liberal candidate for the riding.
The founder of Yukon Shine Distillery says his business is taking up more of his time than he expected because of a possible merger or acquisition on the horizon.
“We’re starting to get a lot of traction, a lot more than I thought would happen this quickly,” Krauzig said.
He said Yukon Shine is in talks to merge with or acquire another Canadian distillery, though he wouldn’t give the name of the other company.
“We’re just at the preliminary stage right now,” he said.
He said he’d hoped to take a backseat at the company while pursuing his political fortunes, but this has happened so fast that no one else at Yukon Shine is ready to fill his shoes. He’s currently getting 200 or 300 emails a day, he said.
“Unfortunately, I’m being pulled in multiple different directions,” he said. “I probably should have ensured my business affairs were wrapped up. Hindsight is 20-20, always.”
Krauzig said he still supports the Liberal Party and believes he may have a future in politics.
Former elementary school principal Pat Berrel is the NDP candidate in the riding, and Michelle Kolla will represent the Yukon Party.
The riding is currently held by David Laxton, who left the Yukon Party in May following an allegation of sexual harassment. He has yet to announce if he’ll run as an Independent.