The great thing about another Liberal leadership race is that I can pretty much recycle my blog content from 2006. So, having updated my “Frank McKenna isn’t running” post, it’s time to update my “John Manley isn’t running” post.
It’s sad that Manley decided to take a pass, although it’s hard to fault him given the difficulty of tossing together a leadership team in a few weeks. And a lot of Liberals dislike Manley for a lot of irrational reasons – his decision to put country over party for the Afghanistan review annoyed many, even though the Liberal caucus ended up supporting the position he recommended.
John Manley has always struck me as a straight shooter with integrity to spare. He also came across as a really great guy the few times I met him while working on his 2003 leadership campaign. Between that, his experience, and an impressive track record in a wide range of portfolios, I don’t doubt John would have made a great Prime Minister.
So, with another heavyweight biting the dust, that leaves the field as follows:
In
Dominic LeBlanc
Bob Rae
Duh
Michael Ignatieff
Definitely, Maybe
Ruby Dhalla
Denis Coderre
Martin Cauchon
David McGuintyUjjal Dosanjh
Gerard Kennedy
Martha Hall Findlay
Long Shots
Carolyn Bennett
Ken Dryden
David Orchard
Belinda Stronach
Dave Bronconnier
Garth Turner
Taking a PassScott BrisonJustin TrudeauFrank McKennaDalton McGuintyCarole TaylorJohn ManleyBrian TobinJoe VolpeRalph Goodale (I assume, given his appointment as House Leader)Louise ArbourElizabeth May
The rules will be announced Sunday at 1 pm Eastern…I’d expect that we’ll have a good idea of the field within a week from then.
