MLA Clarke eyes federal seat

Cecil Clarke, the MLA for Cape Breton North,plans torun for theConservatives in the nextfederal election.

Clarke announced his intentions Thursday, saying he will seek theConservative nomination in the federal riding of Sydney-Victoria.

He said Cape Breton needs a strong voice in Ottawa if it's going to get more federal funding for projects.

Clarke, 42,was first elected to the Nova Scotia legislative assembly in 2001. He held a number of cabinet portfoliosover theyears, including justice and economic development.

Clarke will continueas an MLA until the nomination meeting is called.

Liberal Mark Eyking hasheld theSydney-Victoria seat for a decade. He was re-elected in 2008, defeating his closest opponent by nearly 9,000 votes.