Rock and Roll Conservative

Goodbye, so long, farewell!

The surest sign that members of your own party don't believe that you will win the next election is when they begin quitting just before an election is about to take place.

The latest Liberal to declare they will not be running is Belinda Stronach. It was no big surprise given that Stronach is a multi-millionaire, will resume a high-profile gig at her father's company Magna International (Frank Stronach is a nice guy, I've met him) and is probably tired of the political life. Oh, and if Chrysler buys out Magna, she'll be rolling in more gold than Croesus.

She joins people like ex-leader Paul Martin, former defence minister Bill Graham, former trade minister Jim Peterson, deputy house leader Lucienne Robillard and former solicitor general Andy Scott who won't be running. In fact, the number of Liberals won't be running again may hit 15 members, a not inconsiderable number.

I consider these decisions not to run more important than the number of recent polls which have been showing stronger Conservative support. Some, like Martin, don't want to serve as second fiddle to whoever becomes the new leader. Others, though, are quietly taking the temperatures of their and other ridings and are realizing that the next election will likely bring in a majority Conservative government. Few volunteer to be part of the losing team.

Read on.

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