In some ways, it was the best of times and in other ways it was the worst of times for local NDP supporters last night.

After a hard-fought federal campaign, NDP candidate Pam Boyde was defeated in her run for the federal Yukon seat. However, she came out with 151 more votes than she did in the 2004 election.

And federally, the NDP won more seats than it has in the past, taking 29.

It wasn't a win, but the federal NDP took a step forward in last night's election, many supporters pointed out during the celebration held at the High Country Inn.

'I guess it's not meant to be this time, but we got closer,' Boyde told the crowd of about 50 supporters, after it became clear Yukon MP Larry Bagnell would win a third term of office.

Though she took more votes, the percentage was of votes for her was down, with more voters going to the polls.

She took 3,366 of the 14,113 votes, or 23.9 per cent. That compares to the 3,215 votes Boyde took in the 2004 federal election ( 25.6 per cent of the vote).

But Boyde said the federal party is a step closer in making government the next time around with the increase in seats.

'You can be sure the NDP will work their hardest to push the agenda ahead,' said Boyde. 'We need to make sure our health care system is as strong as it can.'

Looking back over her campaign, Boyde said she could have worked harder. She wasn't able to speak to each Yukoner during the campaign, something she would have liked to have done.

As well, the incumbent Bagnell, who took 6,847 votes, had the advantage of being in the public eye, she said.

Conservative candidate Sue Greetham earned 3,341 votes while Green Party candidate Philippe LeBlond, who spent the campaign on vacation in New Zealand, took 559 votes.

Though, Boyde wasn't able to speak to all Yukoners during the lengthy campaign, those she did talk to seemed convinced to vote NDP.

'It's shown; I've done better than last time,' she said.

But whether she finds out whether the third time is indeed a charm remains to be seen. Boyde said a third attempt to take the Yukon seat isn't out of the question; it will depend on what happens.

'Certainly, I'm disappointed. I thought I had it,' said Boyde.

Asked about her 'aggressive' campaign, the defeated candidate said she didn't view the campaign, where ads asked voters to say no' to Liberal corruption, as aggressive.

'I was putting the record on the table,' she said.

Part of her campaign included ads featuring former Yukon MP Audrey McLaughlin, who was on hand at last night's NDP gathering.

McLaughlin said she was unsure what impact the radio ads she did for the party may have had on Boyde's campaign, but she did them because she felt strongly the Liberals had lost the right to govern.

As the national votes came in, McLaughlin was pleased to see the NDP do well.

It didn't come as a big surprise to the former NDP leader when a minority Conservative government was declared. A minority government is good, she said.

As an MP who was never part of the government, McLaughlin suggested it's not crucial to have an MP who's part of the governing party.

In fact, having an MP who's not part of the governing party can work to the territory's advantage because he or she isn't obligated to toe the party line the way governing party members seem to be.

Voters shouldn't cast their ballots for candidates based on whether they'll be part of the party that forms the next government, and could bring more money, she said.

She suggested there should be some analysis of the funds that have come to the territory from the federal government during Bagnell's two terms of office.

Rather than casting their ballots in fear that they might not get the funds they expect, voters should mark their ballots because they believe in a party and a candidate and what they stand for, she said.

'That's real democracy,' said McLaughlin.

Territorial NDP Leader Todd Hardy said this election shows voters are no longer buying into what the Liberal party is promising.

'They've been let down,' said Hardy.

Though some supporters made comments about leaving the country when the Conservative government was announced, Hardy said he doesn't fear a Conservative minority.

The Liberals and Conservatives seem to be the same party, he said.

'The NDP can work with anyone,' he said, noting his confidence in federal leader Jack Layton.

'The balance of power sits with the NDP. It's the NDP that will protect the country,' said Hardy.

Election night was a family affair for the Hardys. Todd was joined later by Louise, his wife and the Yukon's NDP MP from 1997 to 2000.

The Hardys' daughter Janelle was also on-hand with her young daughter for the celebration.

Though she can't deny the family connection to the NDP, as an adult, Janelle said she's come to support what the NDP stands for.

For her part, Boyde will now set her sights on getting back to work at consulting firm Touch the North, where she is an operating partner. She said she stopped by the office yesterday to find a large stack of paper she has to deal with.

'I've got a lot of catching up to do,' she said.