A by-election takes place in Chicoutimi next month, in the Parti Quebecois stronghold that was vacated by Stephane Bedard last fall.
The PQ is confident of winning the seat again, even though the party only chose its candidate Monday night.
Bedard was MNA for 17 years, but the PQ has held that riding since 1976, when it was held by Bedard's father Marc-André.
In a vote held Monday night, Mireille Jean was chosen and the PQ candidate for the riding.
Bedard stepped down after party leading Pierre Karl Peladeau took away the job of House Leader and gave it to Bernard Drainville.
"That created some coolness to say the least," said political analyst Jean Lapierre.
However Bedard is still working with the PQ to help win the riding, appearing at a campaign event in January.
Jean-Francois Lisée said the PQ expects it will easily win again.
"I think the chances are very good. We have to work hard, of course, as in every by-election, but the record of the Couillard government in the regions is appalling," said the MNA.
The Liberal party, which last held the riding 80 years ago, is hopeful Francyne Gobeil can win the seat.
Lapierre concedes they have a slim chance.
"Stephane Bedard didn't win big last time. He won by 1600 votes. This time the Liberal candidate is the protegé of mayor Jean Tremblay who is very popular in Saguenay, but it's a very, very long shot," he said.
Last week Premier Philippe Couillard brought Gobeil to the National Assembly for a photo op on International Women's Day.
The PQ candidate will be chosen Monday evening at a nomination meeting. The three candidates are a firefighter, a businesswoman, and a former Bloc Quebecois candidate.
The by-election will be held on April 11.
