As to why Brian Tobin is not joining the Liberal leadership race, see "Post McKenna." It is just not tempting enough for a successful provincial premier making tons of money in the private to come back and do this. These guys have been briefed on the state of Liberal finances and are probably figuring Harper will have a good shot at a majority next time. They also know they would stand little to no chance at rebuilding the party in Quebec, where the party must regain strength if it hopes to win again.
So who does this leave? You guessed it: Turncoat v. Turncoat. As I wrote on May 18, 2005 after Jeffrey Simpson claimed Belinda's Stronach's defection had nothing to do with her leadership ambitions:
Simpson appears to have no clue how Stronach operates and how good she is at bringing people to her side. She will run for Liberal leader and I'd give her a better chance than not of winning it. Indeed, the next Liberal leadership could be a Brison v. Stronach race.
It was clear to anyone who knew Belinda or had had any sort of interaction with her that her only goal was 24 Sussex; Stephen Harper himself said just as much in his post-defection press conference. Scott v. Belinda. That'll be fun for Tories to watch.
PS -- In case you are wondering, Simpson actually wrote last May: "If Ms. Stronach hungered for the party leadership, she should have waited for Mr. Harper to fail as Conservative leader, then sought to replace him. A jump to the Liberals made no sense if leadership ambition consumed her, since she isn't going to lead that party any time soon, if ever."
Sorry, couldn't resist.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 10:37 AM
