Stronach likely to enter race (Cdn Tory Leadership Race) - Globe and Mail

[Screaming Lord Byron]

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040106.wtory16/BNStory/National/



Ottawa — The race to lead Canada's new Conservative Party is ready to burst wide open as auto parts executive Belinda Stronach and high-profile MP Chuck Strahl both appear poised to jump into the competition.

"I'm telling you she's serious about this," said a source close to Ms. Stronach. "Things have changed for her."

"She's very, very close," said another source close to Ms. Stronach. "She knows the personal sacrifice it's going to take, but she wants to ensure there's a strong leader that has the party well-positioned."

So, it's likely to be Harper, Strahl, Stronach, Clements and Prentice. Is that really the best they can do? My, what an embarassment of riches (without the riches part)

[Minstrel Boy]

1. heh heh - isn't it great?

Between them, the old Alliance and Tories held about 75 seats. How many will the united party win this year? I'm thinking 30-40, if that.

And Martin's "reviewing" the gun registry, calculated to appeal to conservative voters on the Prairies:

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040107.ugunn0107/BNStory/National/

I'm beginning to think the Liberal strategy really is to surrender the left to the NDP without a shot, and try to scoop up as many conservative voters as possible while the right is in flux. It's why he's so eager to get the new distribution in place before the election, which will add Western seats.

Drop the writ, already. Let's do this thing! :)

[Screaming Lord Byron]

2. I think I'll do a post comparing Martin to various PC leaders.

Seems to me he's to the right of Stanfield and Clark, and is now edging out Mulroney. It appears to me he's decided to become the PC party himself. Hell, I'm not even sure what value he places on the progressive part.