The ruling party?s Sandys North branch met with potential by-election candidates last night to discuss their candidate nomination procedure.

The poll to find a replacement for the late Eugene Cox must be held by March 9, but it is understood that as many as 12 people are interested in throwing their hat in the ring.

Whoever is chosen eventually will be facing off against the United Bermuda Party?s Corin Smith.

Bermuda College administrator Eugenie Simmons, former Senator and Housing Minister David Burch, Dawn Simmons, Ellen-Kate Horton, Senator Michael Scott, Nelda Simons and Melvin Simmons are all believed to be interested in running for the Progressive Labour Party.

After last night?s meeting, contractor Rodney Smith denied reports that he was seeking the nomination.

But Mr. Smith denied it saying that he was much to busy to consider a run for elective office at this time.

?I?m just too busy building and selling,? Mr. Smith said.

Yesterday?s meeting established that the candidates for the nomination would be subject to run-off voting with those scoring the least votes eliminated at each round. A voting date has yet to be decided.