The Big M
From today's Globe...
McKenna, Manley already laying groundwork for Liberal leadership?
By JANE TABER
January 3, 2006
Globe and Mail
The body isn't even warm yet, and already there are at least two senior Liberals -- Frank McKenna and John Manley -- who insiders say are quietly gearing up their leadership campaigns. The fact this is happening is an indication that some Liberals think Paul Martin's campaign is in deep trouble.
Indeed, at least one senior Liberal was stunned when the phone rang just before Christmas and Mr. McKenna was on the other end. The Canadian ambassador to the United States, and more important, the man who is rumoured to want to succeed Mr. Martin, is calling around to well-connected Liberals. In his so-called "holiday call" he did not specifically mention a possible leadership bid, but the insider said that was clearly the subtext.
In fact, Mr. McKenna, a former New Brunswick premier, did not ask directly for support, but was told by the insider that he could count on his help if he decides to seek the leadership. Other Liberals have expressed similar sentiments. Mr. McKenna is, said the insider, also careful to mention that there is no race "yet."
Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister, finance minister, foreign affairs minister and industry minister John Manley is holding a $200-a-ticket fundraiser for Ottawa West-Nepean Liberal candidate Lee Farnworth on Jan. 19. He is the guest speaker -- and laying the groundwork for his future?
McKenna, Manley already laying groundwork for Liberal leadership?
By JANE TABER
January 3, 2006
Globe and Mail
The body isn't even warm yet, and already there are at least two senior Liberals -- Frank McKenna and John Manley -- who insiders say are quietly gearing up their leadership campaigns. The fact this is happening is an indication that some Liberals think Paul Martin's campaign is in deep trouble.
Indeed, at least one senior Liberal was stunned when the phone rang just before Christmas and Mr. McKenna was on the other end. The Canadian ambassador to the United States, and more important, the man who is rumoured to want to succeed Mr. Martin, is calling around to well-connected Liberals. In his so-called "holiday call" he did not specifically mention a possible leadership bid, but the insider said that was clearly the subtext.
In fact, Mr. McKenna, a former New Brunswick premier, did not ask directly for support, but was told by the insider that he could count on his help if he decides to seek the leadership. Other Liberals have expressed similar sentiments. Mr. McKenna is, said the insider, also careful to mention that there is no race "yet."
Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister, finance minister, foreign affairs minister and industry minister John Manley is holding a $200-a-ticket fundraiser for Ottawa West-Nepean Liberal candidate Lee Farnworth on Jan. 19. He is the guest speaker -- and laying the groundwork for his future?
posted by calgarygrit at
8:11 p.m.
12 Comments:
A double dog dare for the Liberals
By
Sara, at 9:16 p.m.
And this should surprise anyone, how?
By
Red Tory, at 9:58 p.m.
it surprises people because from the outside, while the campaign isn't going great, its premature to call it a disaster.
but here are two big-wig Liberals making it clear that's how they sees things playing out.
and they don't seem to unhappy about it all.
By
Tarkwell Robotico, at 10:37 p.m.
At least Frank is not a weather vane.....he might even be a LEADER
By
Anonymous, at 11:05 p.m.
Given that the Liberals are not going to get a majority, that leaves two outcomes. A Minority or Defeat.
Either of the outcomes will result in a leadership review and resultant leadership race to succeed Captain Chicken.
In brief, his goose is cooked and the vultures are circling, albeit a tad on the hasty side. Better a juicy lunch dining on Liberal, than nothing, though.
By
Anonymous, at 11:18 p.m.
The Liberals need a leader like Manley with a squeaky clean reputation and a backbone.
By
Anonymous, at 11:50 p.m.
Because *everyone* expects a minority, a minority Liberal victory would not result in Paul Martin leaving. The only thing that will result in his departure is a Liberal defeat. Right now, that doesn't look like it will happen. Indeed, what it looks like right now is a LPC-CPC coalition.
By
Anonymous, at 12:54 a.m.
LPC-CPC coaltion? ROFLMAO I think not.
By
Candace, at 2:17 a.m.
Although I think its a few weeks premature to be talking about a leadership bid, both Manley and McKenna would be a huge step up from Dithers. Both parties right now are suffering from a leadership deficit, and with a minority government the most likely outcome it may be a blessing in disguise for the party that loses. They would then have the opportunity to fight a new election in less than two years with a new and hopefully charismatic leader.
By
Anonymous, at 2:31 a.m.
Someone will have to fill me in on the particulars of the leadership review policy of the LPC, but methinks that yet another minority government for PM, especially with reduced support in QC, would result in either PMs resignation or political assassination.
Also, would the LPC seriously consider Manley or McKenna if priority number 1 is to rebuild their base in La Belle?
By
FRANCISM, at 3:09 a.m.
At this point, given how badly the Liberal campaign has gone, for PMPM to emerge with a minority would be a victory. Just as a smiling Dithers claimed victory last time after losing 40 seats, he would most likely try to spin the loss of 20 more as a reaffirmation of "Canada's love of Liberal values."
For reasons I have never fully understood, the bulk of LPC members seem to like Martin. Remember that the party membership & caucus (effectively) turfed a three-time winner and replaced him with Mr Dithers. Martin's control of the party's delegates and organizational machinery is well beyond what either Manley or McKenna could cobble together at this point. So let's not get carried away with palace intrigue.
BTW gotta love the lck of intelligent discourse in the Globe story. Unnamed sources, rank gossip, an absence of any policy consideration... That article could have appeared in People magazine.
The Last Trudeaumaniac
By
Anonymous, at 7:25 a.m.
Wow. This looks almost as significant as Carol Jamieson's push to oust Harper (snicker).
By
Anonymous, at 10:12 a.m.
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