Inexplicable Nystrom-Bashing

It appears that some people are rather less happy than I am to know that Lorne Nystrom is running again.

My open question all those interested: why wouldn't the NDP want one of its long-time stalwarts taking another run at his seat?

Let's address some of the concerns about Nystrom:

Will he ever try his hand at something other than being an MP?
First, he's obviously managed to be a successful author and consultant when he's been out of office. Second...if he's a good MP (which I don't think is up for debate), why shouldn't he get back into the role which he plays best?

Will he just be seen as a tired old member of the NDP establishment? / The NDP in Sakatchewan badly needs RENEWAL and new young faces.
Sure, I'll buy that the NDP should be seeking some renewal, but that has to be balanced with some experience - and with Proctor not running again, Nystrom is the only Saskatchewan candidate who provides any experience in Parliament. The challengers have had a chance to build their bases and show what they can do, but institutional memory and name recognition do count in politics. We're trying to fight that very problem nationwide; we shouldn't avoid using the advantage of familiarity where we have it.

True he had tough competition, but well known politicians with a following just don't have tough competition for nominations. / Anybody who has been in politics for 30 years should be able to win on the first ballot.
Naturally the nomination meeting was going to be a relatively tough one: it's strong NDP territory (lost in the last election due mostly to a huge dip in provincial NDP popularity), and it looks like a couple of strong local candidates wanted to try out the riding where they have some support. That's called renewal. (See previous answer.)

Standingready, Shesniuk and Stringer will all get other chances - and the NDP will be better off if they can put their support bases into helping current candidates, including Nystrom. But just because more people are interested in a position doesn't mean that the NDP should toss its longtime stalwart out on his ear, or that Nystrom himself should start setting lesser goals than regaining his seat.