680NEWS

Although it is way to early to gage who has the better chance of becoming the next Liberal leader, one thing is for sure: it will be the last kick at the can for both Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff, who are both in their early 60s.

Some of the things I’m hearing by way of gossip from Liberal insiders, and from those who are trying to become Liberal insiders, include the perception that Ignatieff has a broader base of support from the Liberal establishment than he had the last time around, and that he has a stronger organizational team than Bob Rae.

I’m hearing that Dominic LeBlanc, (the 41-year-old son of former governor general Romeo LeBlanc) has been able to attract the support of former prime minister Paul Martin’s organizational team. That team is not insignificant.

I’m hearing that Rae and Ignatieff have privately agreed to support each other if the other finished ahead on the first ballot, but not with enough to avoid a second ballot.  

I’m hearing that no one in the Liberal party has an appetite for the kind of “up the middle surprise” that put Stephane Dion in the driver’s seat.

I’m hearing that Bob Rae is considered the most “electable” by delegates because he’s a better schmoozer and has a warmer personality — but at the same time, is considered the most vulnerable to Tory attacks because of the way he handled the economy while he was premier of Ontario.

I’m also hearing that Both Rae and Iggie want the job very badly as the crowning contribution of their professional lives.

These are just some of the things I’m hearing as the Liberals start grappling over who should be their next great leader.