The Downtown Eastside lawyer who almost beat the newly crowned BC Liberal leader Christy Clark in a byelection last year is challenging the premier again.

BC Civil Liberties Association executive director David Eby has been acclaimed as the BC NDP candidate for the Vancouver-Point Grey riding in the May 2013 provincial election.

Premier Clark beat Eby in May 2011 by 564 votes, according to the Elections BC's Chief Electoral Officer report. Green candidate Françoise Raunet and BC First's Danielle Alie came in distant third and fourth; the BC Conservative Party did not run a candidate. Voter turnout was 38.94 per cent.

"I am looking forward to a re-match," said Eby in a statement posted on the BC NDP site today. "Our campaign will focus on providing the people of Vancouver-Point Grey with a positive alternative to the Liberal record," he said. "We're offering practical steps to change B.C. for the better."

Education and skills training are key issues in Point Grey, Eby said.

The Tyee reported from the campaign trail in May 2011, following Eby as he knocked on doors and Premier Clark as she spoke to constituents at a town hall in a Kitsilano church.

At the time the premier received criticism for dodging at least five debates and all candidates' meetings in the run-up to election day. She said she wanted to listen to the public, not politicians, and focus on talking to people that live in the community.

Robyn Smith is a senior editor at The Tyee.