The LPC has just announced the rules for the leadership convention:

1. The convention will be the December 2nd weekend. I’m really disappointed in what I consider to be a short sighted decision. Stephen Harper’s government is not going to fall within the next year. A long race would give the party a chance to debate policy and select the best possible leader to lead us for the next decade. It would also bring many new members and ideas into the party. Instead, we’re going to have a mad dash three month leadership based on name recognition and first impressions, rather than substance and policy.

2. The delegate meetings will be held the weekend of September 29th. That means the membership cut-off will be July 1st.

3. Dominic LeBlanc and Tanya Capple will be the convention co-chairs. I guess he’s off the list.

4. The entry fee will be $50,000. That seems fair enough and very reasonable.

5. The convention will be in Montreal. Good choice.

6. The spending limit will be 3.4 million dollars and will supposedly include pre-race spending. Eizenga said the loopholes have been closed (somewhere Belinda shouts “merde!”). If true, that’s definitely a good sign but I still strongly suspect there will be a couple extra interns at Magna this summer.

7. 20% of money raised after the first $500,000 will be given to the party.

8. On-line memberships will be available “in due course”.

9. 53 campus clubs have been sanctioned to send delegates.

All in all, the rules seem a lot more fair than last time and should ensure a wide open race with lots of candidates. I would have prefered a longer race, but the financial rules are right where they should be.