Incumbents hold Ottawa-area ridings

While there were major changes topolitical fortunesacross the country in Monday's general election,Ottawa-area ridings sawlittlechange in the status quo.

John Baird chalked uphis thirdvictory inOttawa West-Nepean, adding toastrongConservative victoryoverall a majorityafter two consecutive minority governments.

The Conservatives nationally captured 40 per cent of the vote, followed by 31 per cent for the NDP.The Liberals suffereda stunning defeat, earningjust under 20 per cent of the vote.

In the Ottawa area,Conservative Gordon O'Connor was re-elected inCarleton-Mississippi Mills, while Conservative Pierre Poilievrewas re-elected inNepean-Carletonand incumbent Conservative Royal Galipeau held on tohis seat inOttawa-Orlans.

However, across the river in Quebec, there wasa surprising turn of events asConservative Lawrence Cannon lost his seat to New Democrat Mathieau Ravignat In the Gatineau-area riding ofPontiac.

InOttawa Centre, incumbentDemocrat Paul Dewar won to become one ofabout 100New Democrats elected asMembers of Parliament. The party won Official Opposition status, taking that role away from the humbled Liberals, who were leading or elected injust 35 seats.

David McGuintywas re-elected inOttawa South. The Liberal beathis near rival Conservative Elie Salibi, repeating results recorded when the two faced offin the 2008 vote.

Another incumbent, Liberal Mauril Blanger, was re-electedinOttawa-Vanier.