With less than a week to go in the race to become leader of the Yukon Party and premier of the territory, more MLAs are coming out of the woodwork to support candidates — and announce their intention to run in the coming election.

Cabinet ministers Glenn Hart, the MLA for Riverdale South, and Marian Horne, who represents Pelly-Nisutlin, threw their support behind leadership candidate Darrell Pasloski last Friday afternoon.

Pasloski said the endorsements speak to the leadership style he'd like to use.

"That's really to identify good people and work co-operatively as a team,” he told the Star this morning.

Hart and Horne join independent Lake Laberge MLA Brad Cathers and former Pelly-Nisutlin MLA Dean Hassard in supporting Pasloski.

Pasloski said he has several other individuals interested in joining his team as well – people who haven't previously sat in legislature.

"I think it's also important to mix some of that new energy with wise experience,” he said. "I've been looking for people with a broad range of life experiences from different sectors.”

However, the experience Hart, Horne and Cathers would bring is invaluable, Pasloski said.

"I think it's also critical to have people who have been there, who know what's going on and have that experience of being within the government caucus.”

Horne said she didn't make the endorsement on a whim.

"I thought about it for a long time,” she said in an interview today. "I wanted to talk to and consider each candidate.”

While each candidate has "excellent qualities,” Horne said, she is endorsing Pasloski because he most closely matches her values, particularly on First Nations relations, rural Yukon issues and economic growth.

"One of the main reasons I went with Darrell is that our economy is very healthy right now and it could very quickly go under if we don't follow what we have been doing ... and I do believe Darrell will continue to help our economy to grow.”

Hart also believes Pasloski is the right person to steer the territory.

"I've known Darrell for some time and I'm very familiar with his ideals and philosophies, and they appeal very much to what I'm thinking about,” Hart said today.

"He also understands that the economy is important, and that you need an economy to move everything around.”

In a statement released last Friday afternoon, Hart said he believes Pasloski is the right person to lead a team facing challenges in areas such as health care and social services.

"We have many challenges that we're looking at in the future,” Hart said today.

"Obviously, we have to manage our financial base within the means that we have.... We also have some very serious social issues that need to be addressed in the coming years.”

Though both Hart and Horne have announced their intention to run in the next territorial election, like all other potential candidates, they will be subject to nomination meetings where their nomination may be challenged.

Pasloski said the nomination meetings should be viewed positively.

"It's really a good thing for the party and for Yukoners as well, when you have contested nominations,” he said.

Hart acknowledged the nomination meetings are an important part of the democratic process.

"I'm sure some people will be challenged, including me,” he said.

Horne is hopeful her work over the last 4 1/2 years will help her in the nomination process.

"I've built up my rural riding,” she said. "I have worked very diligently for the rural communities I represent and hopefully I'll be able to run again.

"I haven't finished yet. There is a lot left to do.”

Both Horne and Hart said they would seek the Yukon Party's nomination even if Pasloski is not elected leader next Saturday.

"But I'd really rather run under Darrell,” said Horne.

Fentie has not endorsed a successor.

The other two candidates are Porter Creek MLA Jim Kenyon and tourist business operator Rod Taylor, who has been endorsed by cabinet ministers Elaine Taylor (no relation), Archie Lang, John Edzerza and Speaker Ted Staffen.