Rogers Sportsnet anchor Sean McCormick will announce on Thursday that he's attempting to move from broadcasting to politics.
McCormick is to tell a press conference at Toronto's City Hall that he will be a candidate for city council in Ward 19 this fall. "I've been outspoken - as anyone knows who reads my blog on Sportsnet," McCormick said. "I have strong feelings about the things that happen in the community. I live in on Queen Street West. I decided it was time to stop yelling at the paper and do something."
McCormick got the bug for politics after working the past two summers in community musical events. "I found it really rewarding," said McCormick, 37. "It made me want to get involved in things such as this summer's G20 events that are being held in Bellwoods Park. As someone who lives there I'm concerned about police security in an area that's surrounded by homes and kids."
McCormick said he will be more specific Thursday about his platform and the support he's getting in his bid.
McCormick, who's married to TSN anchor Jennifer Hedger, will be the ninth candidate for the position in the downtown ward. One of the others interested in the job is Michael Layton, son of federal NDP leader Jack Layton.
McCormick said he's not running against anyone. "I'm running for the people of the area, to give them the best representation they can get."
The Ward 19 position is a full-time job, but McCormick said it's too early to say if he's done with broadcasting. "There's a lot of time till the fall," he said. "I enjoy my work at Sportsnet. We'll see where this goes first."