Among the reactions toward the election results this week are those who feel it bodes well for Portage and area. One of them is Portage Chamber of Commerce President Dave Omichinski. Omichinski shares his initial response.

"I guess I was a little bit surprised that it was that resounding of a win. There was, quite frankly, a little doubt in my mind that the PCs would in fact form the next government. And I was quite pleased to see the end results. I think what bodes well for Portage and area, for our constituency, is that Ian Wishart has always done a good job in representing the constituency."

He outlines some of the benefits with the PC Party.

"With soon-to-be Premier Pallister coming in, I think a combination of even his association with the area, along with Ian's representation, bodes well. I think the PCs have a friendlier attitude toward business. My view is that they typically have a better understanding in terms of what business is all about than the previous government. I think the other thing is that because the NDP's stronghold was really in the City of Winnipeg, there's no doubt that it that caused them to focus more on that rather than the overall province and rural Manitoba."