The Battle For Toronto Centre

Not even a week from being relieved of his duties as interim leader, the vultures are already circling for Bill Grahm. Poor Bill, he hasn't even anounced if he is going to run in the next election (granted, all signs do point to no), and as many five liberals, including three leadership candidates are already eying his seat. Theses include Gerard Kennedy, Bob Rae, and Martha Hall Findly, as well as to local candidates Meredith Cartwright, a human-rights lawyer and Rev. Rob Oliphan. I don't know much about Ms. Cartwright, and Mr. Oliphan, except that they both live in the riding. Instead, I will talk about the leadership candidates.

Although normally I am not one for candidates being parachuted into ridings, I recognize that in some cases, high-profile candidates must be sloted in. If Mr. Dion decides to parachute one of theses three leadership contenders, rather than allowing the riding association to choose, there is only one obvious choice of who it should be. First Gerrard Kennedy. Gerrard Kennedy is very popular in the area, due to his tenure as health minister, so giving him a riding such as this, which is obviously a lock would be a mistake. Actually, running him in Ontario would be a waste altogether. It makes much more sense to run him either in Manitoba or Edmonton, both areas which he has ties to, areas he would likely win, and areas where we need more Liberal MPs. Next, Mr. Rae. Bob Rae spent the leadership campaign proclaiming how he could win in Ontario. How his tenure as Premier didn't destroy his reputaton there. If this is true, then he to should not be in need of a cushy spot. Bob Rae, who hasn't announced if he is running mind you, should need to go out and prove himself. He dosen't seem to think it will be a problem. Finally, Martha Hall Findly. If anyone deserves to be parachuted into an easy riding, it's her. She really got the raw deal with Belinda, graciously stepping aside. Then in Montreal, she played kingmaker sending her delegates to Stephane Dion, securing his place ahead of Kennedy, and possibly winning him the leadership. Her career has been one of the nice girl finishing last, and doing so with pure class. She deserves a nice safe riding.