Brad Bennett, scion of the Bennett family political dynasty of Kelowna, remained upbeat as he watched early returns on TV screens at the Wall Centre.

"I'm feeling confident about the chances," said Bennett, who accompanied Premier Clark on her campaign for five weeks.

"I think the party and the leader ran a very competent campaign. I think the campaign stayed on message through the whole thing, it's been about the economy."

About surveys putting his party behind the NDP in the final days, Bennett said that "I'm not one that puts much stock in polls."

The grandson of Social Credit premier W.A.C. Bennett and son of former premier Bill Bennett said that "campaigns matter" and that "ultimately a lot of people make up their mind up in the ballot box."

Bennett said he has no desire to follow family tradition and seek political office. "I'm happy to back those who choose to do it."

Doug Ward is reporting from BC Liberal headquarters on election night.