[Canadaka]

Grit leadership convention kicks off in Montreal

Liberal leadership race will be a nailbiter

Lloyd Robertson Column

Michael Ignatieff:
Supporters in caucus: 49
1st ballot delegates: 1,377
Contributions: $1.04 million

Bob Rae:
Supporters in caucus: 29
1st ballot delegates: 943
Contributions: $993,000

Gerard Kennedy:
Supporters in caucus: 19
1st ballot delegates: 820
Contributions: $423,000

Stephane Dion:
Supporters in caucus: 20
1st ballot delegates: 753
Contributions: $274,000

Ken Dryden:
Supporters in caucus: 12
1st ballot delegates: 238
Contributions: $188,842

Joe Volpe:
Supporters in caucus: 5
1st ballot delegates: 226

Scott Brison:
Supporters in caucus: 10
1st ballot delegates: 181
Contributions: $328,000

Martha Hall Findlay:
Supporters in caucus: 0
1st ballot delegates: 46
Contributions: $111,000






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(other candidates videos to be added as they are released)

The first-time MP was elected in the Toronto riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

Ignatieff, a 58-year-old author and academic, declared earlier this year that he is striving to revive faith "not just in the Liberal party, but in politics itself."

Ignatieff, who has been widely perceived as the frontrunner, has raised eyebrows in recent years by supporting the U.S. invasion of Iraq and for gaffes in media interviews.

Although he has touted the left-leaning values of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, observers say one of Ignatieff's greatest challenges will be to erase perceptions he would be a hawkish leader.

Ignatieff, who has spent much of his adult life outside of Canada, has also been forced to respond to naysayers who question his commitment to Canada.



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The former NDP Ontario premier has developed a reputation as a statesman, having handled high-profile assignments such as the federal government's review into the Air India bombing, as well as adviser to the new Iraqi government.

As a former New Democrat, Rae could be a beacon to attract more supporters from the left. As the race has tightened, he has attracted the support of three former candidates: Maurizio Bevilacqua, Carolyn Bennett and Hedy Fry.

But a challenge for Rae could be overcoming his recession-ravaged record as Ontario premier during the early 1990s.



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Stephane Dion, a strong federalist and the sole Quebec contender, has said he would dedicate himself to rebuilding the party in the province.

He played a major role in the province promoting national unity and fighting off the Bloc in his duties as intergovernmental affairs minister.

Combining a commitment to environmental concerns with the Liberal's traditional emphasis on social issues and economic growth, the former environment minister's "three-pillar" approach to government is the cornerstone of his campaign.

But Dion has struggled to cast off criticism that he is "the most boring" of the leadership hopefuls.



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The former Ontario education minister, who has been criticized by some Liberals for his French-language skills, has placed a plan for a national day-care system at the forefront of his campaign.

Kennedy has received plaudits from educators and parents for bringing labour peace to Ontario schools after years of strikes, lockouts and work-to-rule campaigns.

But building a national profile could be a challenge, analysts say, as Kennedy's only cabinet job has been in Ontario.

[Canadaka]

I really don't know who I like the most, I like them all really, all have some strong points in my view.

But it seems that the underdog from the top 4, Gerard Kennedy, might be the best pick, he has the most insignificant "baggage". Which is his weak french skills, but that can improve more easily than some of the other bagagge the others carry. He also is young and plays hockey! And i guess its kinda neat that Canada could have its own "Kennedy".


Rae gets Goodale's backing as Liberals gather
I was wondering who Goodale would enourse, I really like him.

Should be a fun and interesting event to watch on friday/saturday, will be down to the last ballat. Would sure have been fun to be there in Montreal.









I feel I need to remind people this is in the "Liberal Party" forum, so no flaming or personal attacks.

[Streaker]

Great pic of Eugene Whelan!

It'll be an interesting convention - should be lots of drama and intrigue during the voting.

[camerontech]

I would think Bob Rae would make a great leader of the opposition, him or maybe Dion. Unfortunately, I can't see any of these men ever being PM

[Elvis]

Streaker wrote

$1:

It'll be an interesting convention - should be lots of drama and intrigue during the voting.

Indeed

ON The first page of the journal the montreal this morning.

At the Liberal convention the booze will be flowing!*

Well that made my day

*Translation

[Streaker]

These conventions are always a good excuse for drinking binges, but I don't think it's that the Libs are drowning their sorrows, though.

With Rae or Kennedy as their leader they'd be in a reasonably good position to defeat the Cons next time 'round. With Dion.... hmm.... hard to say.

And Ignatieff becoming the next Liberal leader could turn out to be the best thing that's happened to the Conservatives since the sponsorship scandal.

But Ignatieff isn't likely to win.

[Elvis]

Streaker wrote

$1:

These conventions are always a good excuse for drinking binges, but I don't think it's that the Libs are drowning their sorrows, though.

Le principe d'elvis

Il y a toujours un problème quand le pourcentage des voix qu’on obtient est moindre que celui des gens qui, selon les sondages, croient qu’Elvis est toujours vivant. C’est ce qui est arrivé aux libéraux fédéraux dans le comté de Repentigny.

En janvier dernier, les libéraux avaient obtenu 8,7 pour cent des voix et avaient terminé au troisième rang. Avec les deux-tiers des voix dépouillées, hier soir, les libéraux terminaient au quatrième rang avec un maigre cinq pour cent des voix. Dans un comté de la grande banlieue de Montréal, il y a plus de gens qui croient qu’Elvis est vivant que de gens qui sont prêts à voter libéral.

[Streaker]

Elvis Elvis:

Streaker wrote

$1:

These conventions are always a good excuse for drinking binges, but I don't think it's that the Libs are drowning their sorrows, though.

Le principe d'elvis

Il y a toujours un problème quand le pourcentage des voix qu’on obtient est moindre que celui des gens qui, selon les sondages, croient qu’Elvis est toujours vivant. C’est ce qui est arrivé aux libéraux fédéraux dans le comté de Repentigny.

En janvier dernier, les libéraux avaient obtenu 8,7 pour cent des voix et avaient terminé au troisième rang. Avec les deux-tiers des voix dépouillées, hier soir, les libéraux terminaient au quatrième rang avec un maigre cinq pour cent des voix. Dans un comté de la grande banlieue de Montréal, il y a plus de gens qui croient qu’Elvis est vivant que de gens qui sont prêts à voter libéral.

D'accord - présentement les Libéraux sont faibles au Québec.

But the Liberals don't need to sweep Quebec as long as the Bloc successfully contains the Conservatives in the province; something which they've done a good job of over the last thirteen years.

[Proculation]

I hope Bob Rae wins. I have bet 20$ on him on www.tradesports.com.

[grainfedprairieboy]

Have you ever noticed that in the entire history of the liberal party they have never been lead by anyone born east of Ontario?

Anyway, I don't know about Kennedy but Iggy, Dion and Rae have all said they will nationalise Alberta's oil industry as an overwhelming majority of people in both Quebec and Ontario believe it should be done. If this happens Canada is done.

[Homeland_Security]

Does this really matter, Prime Minister Harper will be re-elected. God Bless Canada.

[grainfedprairieboy]

I like the way you think but history suggests otherwise. Anyway, its important to note that Harper controls the government with 123 right wing MPs mostly from the west opposed by 185 left wing MPs mostly from the east. It is only a matter of time before they are in control again.

[camerontech]

grainfedprairieboy grainfedprairieboy:

Have you ever noticed that in the entire history of the liberal party they have never been lead by anyone born east of Ontario?

Anyway, I don't know about Kennedy but Iggy, Dion and Rae have all said they will nationalise Alberta's oil industry as an overwhelming majority of people in both Quebec and Ontario believe it should be done. If this happens Canada is done.

Bah, fearmongering from the west. You and I both know that would never happen.

[grainfedprairieboy]

You liberals have no idea about that which you toy with. Alberta separation will not be some long perpetual multi-generational Quebec type whine but a snap reaction to a hostile attack that would be carried out in a matter of months, maybe even weeks.

I know Alberta and I'll bet dollars to donuts her people won't go through with another NEP.

Anyway, the latest polls show Alberta sits at 32% in favour of separation which is a 10% drop from before the last federal election but still far too high and should be a cause of concern to Canadians.

Western Separation Poll Results Fall 2006

[Firecat]

I've already argued in favour of a Gerrd Kennedy win; my second choice is Rae. I'm prepared to go into an election despite what he felt he had to do as premier of Ontario. That could be spun well as a man willing to make the tough decisions.