A lot of pundits are screaming about how no one wants the Liberal crown. About how it’s not a prize worth winning. About how McKenna, Manley, and Tobin bowing out show that the party is in shambles.

That’s ridiculous.

I’d like everyone to remember a certain leadership race which featured the following candidates:
Stephen Harper
Belinda Stronach
Tony Clement

That’s about the equivalent of a race featuring Manley, Belinda, and Andy Mitchell.

Lord, Harris, MacKay, Prentice, Strahl…the list of high profile candidates who took a pass on the Tory leadership goes on and on.

And guess who is Prime Minister today?

I, for one, am looking forward to the prospect of 8 or 9 candidates in a wide open competition. I think it’s exactly what this party needs to bring in new members and create some excitement. Party members will be able to look at the contestants and see who really speaks to them, rather than just jumping on the bandwagon to ensure they’re on the winning team. It’s shaping up a lot like 1968 and I think most Liberals liked the way that one ended.

The fact that there are still over a dozen credible candidates out there shows that there’s still some interest in the job. This could be just the chance for some fantastic candidates, lacking only name recognition, to show what they’re made of.