Oh Captain My Captain

The national exec of the Liberal Party had a conference call today discussing how best to plan a timeline for a leadership race. I imagine there were some "heated exchanges" between Steve McKinnon and Mike Eizenga. The push from the McKenna camp was for an early convention (ie August or September) which would have all but guaranteed it for McKenna. Rumour is the exec pushed the convention to December at the earliest and is thinking perhaps as late as a year from now (wouldn't that be nice). Today speculation about leadership was running at a rolling boil. Expect that to pick up substantiall tomorrow.

some thoughts from everyone

Who's not in?

John Manley (again), David Emerson, Paul Martin

Who's in?

Frank Mckenna, Belinda Stronach

Who's being talked about?

Stephane Dion, Glenn Murray, Brian Tobin (I'm doubtful), Bob Rae, Martin Couchon, Denis Coderre, Ken Dryden, Michael Ignatieff, Allan Rock, Joe Volpe.

The good news is that with a field this wide no one can afford to be to petty or spiteful during the campaign cause on that 4th ballot you're really gonna need the guy who got knocked off to like you.

Too bad there aren't more women being considered. I miss Jane Stewart.

UPDATE:
The Ottawa Sun has an article reporting that in addition to Belinda Stronach, Jane Stewart and Sheila Copps are considering or being urged to consider running. Turns out there are more women being considered. Paul Wells is pleasantly suprised.

FURTHER UPDATE:
CalgaryGrit makes the case for Ontario Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy. He's either thinking about it or he isn't.

UPDATE:
Warren is blogging again and tossed out Christy Clark as a suggestion. She'd have a tough go of it but would have a good start here in BC.