In recent days, I’ve heard from several people that high level Martinites in Alberta have been preparing for the Frank McKenna leadership campaign and quietly pressuring others to join. I also know of at least one Martinite in a Senior Cabinet Minister’s office who has been making similar sales pitches. None of this should be surprising since the Globe & Mail confirmed as much last week, reporting that McKenna is making phone calls to Liberals and that his supporters have been “pushing him” and “promoting him”. There’s also this news story about the people running the current election campaign already starting on McKenna’s bid. So much for waiting until the body is cold.

I know this should bring me some satisfaction but I really find it unsettling. Paul was “their guy” and I do believe there’s something to be said for showing loyalty, especially during an election campaign. Say what you will about him (and I’ve said a lot), but I do think Paul will put the party’s interests first and will gracefully step aside shortly after the election, leaving plenty of time of a leadership race to rejuvenate the party. There will be lots of time to organize at that point and it’s just tasteless for McKenna and his supporters, many of whom have key roles in this campaign, to start organizing until after the election.