And yet….
Liberal insiders look to Bob Rae as possible successor to Martin
Lifelong New Democrat Bob Rae, the cerebral former leader of one of the most unpopular governments in Ontario history, is being touted in some Liberal circles as a possible successor to Prime Minister Paul Martin.
“When people talk about who are potential leaders, Bob Rae’s name does make the list,” said Senator Terry Mercer, a onetime national director of the party and an ally of former Prime Minister Jean Chretien. “It’s been speculation more than (anything). There’s been no one come and say look, ‘I’ve been thinking of supporting Bob Rae for leader, what do you think?’”
Nevertheless, Mr. Mercer said the 56-year-old former MP’s name first surfaced as a potential candidate six months ago. It has not disappeared since.
[…] In 1990, Mr. Rae ushered in Ontario’s first and only socialist government, winning a solid majority over David Peterson’s Liberals. Almost immediately, his government was beset by problems stemming from a global recession.
Many within his party still harbour resentment towards Mr. Rae for what they see as twin betrayals of the social contract, where public servants were forced to take unpaid vacation, known as Rae Days, to help the public purse, and his reneging on a promise to introduce public auto insurance.
[…] Conservative pollster Greg Lyle, president of Innovative ResearchGroup … says Mr. Rae’s pragmatic politics would easily fit into the Liberal party. He cites former B.C. New Democrat Premier Ujjal Dosanjh as an example. […]
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