Independent candidate for Salmon Arm-Shuswap, Greg McCune/via Facebook

The one-time BC United candidate for the Salmon Arm-Shuswap riding says despite not having a party behind him, he feels his continued candidacy as an independent has a groundswell of support.

After having the political rug pulled out from under him, Greg McCune — the former mayor of Enderby — says his center-right approach continues to resonate with the voters he’s been speaking with.

“Just talking among friends and mentors, and they’re like, you would be the honestly best candidate in this riding. We know your experience is perfect for it. Your willingness to work with groups and people.”

McCune, whose campaign established a new bank account for campaign donations on Wednesday, admits he’s currently in negative territory when it comes to financing his effort.

“Our bank account has exactly zero. We have not been able to communicate with BC United. That’s Elections BC. They’re all working, sorting through. I hope to be reimbursed for some expenses that I have submitted to them,” suggested McCune.

Despite the lack of cash, McCune says he expects supporters will step up to help with the costs of running as an independent.

“The people who have called, and said, you know what, I really like that you’ve chosen independent,” said McCune.  “We’re actually going to come. We will come with money. We’ve got some people that were willing to come onboard and help us with our social media,” said McCune.

McCune will have 4 other competitors on the ballot on October 19th.

This includes BC Conservative candidate David Williams, the NDP’s Sylvia Lindgren, Jed Wiebe of the BC Green Party and another independent, Sherry Roy.

The re-drawn riding for this election is currently held by BC United’s Greg Kyllo, who decided not to run again.