After sounding out his Ward 4 constituents for the last month or so, the high-profile, east-end city councillor says he hasn't heard a single objection to the move.

That's amazing considering Merulla swore he wouldn't run for higher office while campaigning for re- election in the November municipal election, the very charge levelled at him by his opponent, former councillor Dave Wilson.

Though favoured to win last fall, few expected him to do it so convincingly since he was still at the centre of an OPP investigation into allegations of municipal corruption.

Merulla, who steadfastly denies those allegations, has launched a lawsuit against his accuser, bar owner Domingos Pereira, and openly scoffs at the notion the OPP are still investigating him.

The fact he's casting his eyes on Queen's Park despite probes and broken promises is testimony to both his cockiness and popularity.

If he wins the nomination, he'll go up against Stoney Creek Liberal MPP Jennifer Mossop, whose current riding will disappear as provincial electoral boundaries are adjusted to line up with federal ridings. Source...