The federal election campaign is barely underway and Conservatives in Nova Scotia are already down a key candidate.

Yesterday, the party announced that Rosamond Luke would run in the riding of Halifax. The party appointed Luke to the nomination.

Luke is currently the executive director of the All Women's Empowerment and Development Association (AWEDA).

Today, CBC News learned that the party had subsequently learned that Luke had two criminal convictions. She was convicted in July 2006 of uttering threats and received 18 months probation. She was also convicted of breach of an undertaking in June 2007 and was fined $50 and given an addition nine months probation.

Conservative party officials met last night to discuss how to handle the situation.

When CBC caught up with Luke at her office this afternoon, she confirmed that she would not be running for the Conservatives.

She told us she was getting out of the race because she wants to devote herself to her organization. When asked if her criminal convictions had any bearing on her decision, she declined comment.

Party officials have refused comment.

— Nancy Waugh