Second-Tier Politics: The Liberal Leadership Race
January 31, 2006 · By Peter Rempel
This is getting just a little sad. Today Brian Tobin, undoubtedly the front-runner in the race following Frank McKenna’s departure, bowed out of the race.
It’s becoming obvious that Liberal big-wigs doubt their own ability to win an election following the defeat of Harper’s minority government in 2-3 years, and that a Conservative majority following that defeat is all but inevitable. I personally doubt that Ignatieff will go for the leadership this time; the Liberal “crown” will go to a caretaker.
In the meantime, we will be subjected to Bill Graham as interim leader and leader of the opposition. Graham’s selection should probably not be interpreted as an attempt by the Liberal Party to reach out to family values types.
Watch for what will happen at the provincial level of this leadership race though. There are still some big wigs out there eyeing the prize of leadership. But it will be the organisers running for positions for the provincial wings that may make the difference in who is crowned and who isn’t.
Earl provost, who worked on Paul Martin’s leadership aswell as being a senior advisor to his campaign, has been rumoured to be throwing his hat in for the position of Executive VP for the LPC(O), the seat formally occupied by Mike Klander.
Any thoughts on which LPC leader would be the best for the conservatives? I was thinking Rae, but Iggy would be terrible for the LPC as well.