Who Will Run in the Next Election?

If there is one legacy that the Paul Martin leadership will be remembered for, it was their ability to attract star candidates. Ken Dryden, Ujjal Dosanjh, Tina Keeper and Marc Gagnon all decided to make the jump into politics because of the Martin leadership.
The new leader will have big shoes to fill in this department, but of the front runners, Ignatieff, Rae, Kennedy and Dion, there is alot of potential to attract big names. Bob Rae would most likley have the most potential to attract star political candidates, while Ignatieff could do very well in attracting distinguished academics and celebrity candidates. Both Dion and Kennedy could manage to attract notable activists in poverty and the enivornment.

Here are some of my thoughts on star candidates. None of these names have been confirmed in any way, or courted by the party. They are simply names I personally feel could look good on a Liberal ticket.

Roy Romanow- The old member of Chretien's kitchen cabinet has long been an advocate of strategic voting at the federal level. His work on the Romanow Commision and eight years as Premier of Saskskatchewan make him pure cabinet material. Most likely could be attracted to run under Rae's leadership, but could also want to run under his fellow slavic's ticket, Ignatieff.

Stephen Lewis- Most likely a long shot. Unlike Romanow has never advocated for strategic voting, but could run under a Rae or Ignatieff ticket. Has to be displeased with Harper not showing up at the Aids Conference in Toronto, and would like to see him defeated. Well into his 60's, but could advance his causes in a senior cabinet post.

Maureen McTeer- You can't tell me that her and Joe are going to stay out of politics forever. Higly critical of the merger of the P.C.s and the Alliance, running as a Liberal could solidfy that displeasure. Her home riding of Ottawa-Orleans is in the Conservative's hands, and could easily go back Liberal. Has many issues and projects that could be brought to the table from a cabinet post.

Really Long Shots:

Every single time before an election there are a list of the hockey players considered as potential candidates. The Conservatives have faired poorly in their attempts to court them, perhaps by annoucing in the media first and then approaching the individual. Oh well, here we go: Mark Messier, Patrick Roy, Ray Bourqe, Wendel Clark and yes, Tie Domie. Don't hold your breath on these characters.

Bret "The Hitman" Hart- Alright, don't laugh or call him our version of Jesse Ventura. When he was a wrestler, he cut promos supporting universal healthcare and gun control in Canada. Is very patriotic and passionate about the country. Could run in the vunerable Calgary Centre riding and give the Liberals a good chance of scoring an Alberta seat. I would also recommend him has a replacement for Gary Betteman, because of his views regarding our national game.