Bob Benzen wins Conservative nomination in Calgary-Heritage

Bob Benzen had just 47 Twitter followers on Saturday night, a number that issure to go up after the small business owner captured the Conservative Party nomination in the riding of Calgary-Heritage, replacing former prime minister Stephen Harper.

Benzen won the nomination Saturday on the second ballot over Rick Billington and Paul Frank.

"I knew I was in for a really big battle," he said after the result was announced.

"I knew this was going to be really, really close."

Harper stepped down as Conservative leader after losing last October's federal election.

"He created the Conservative Party as we know it today," Benzen said.

"To be selected to succeed him, as a candidate at least, is just a terrific honour."

A byelection to replace Harper, who officially resigned his seat in August, has yet to be announced.

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