Since leadership speculation is now in full swing, here’s my run-down of the prospective field. Keep in mind, Layton was elected straight from City Council, so the NDP may very well opt for an outsider again.<\/p>\n
PROS: Played a key role in Layton’s revival of the NDP. Very punable name (\u201cTopp spins scandal<\/em>\u201d, \u201cTopp on top<\/em>\u201d, \u201cTopp falls to bottom of pack<\/em>\u201d…the possibilities are limitless for headline writers).<\/p>\n CONS: No elected experience.<\/p>\n PROS: The party’s most respected MP in Quebec. Like Layton and most good socialists, has facial hair.<\/p>\n CONS: Unlike Layton, has never smiled in his life.<\/p>\n PROS: Accomplished, moderate, well spoken<\/p>\n CONS: Has said he won’t run. I believe we have found the NDP’s very own Frank McKenna.<\/p>\n PROS: Meets facial hair requirement. Well respected. Experienced.<\/p>\n CONS: Retired.<\/p>\n PROS: Comes from deep NDP roots, and has shown himself to be a strong performer in Ottawa.<\/p>\n CONS: Less name recognition than Brian Topp.<\/p>\n PROS: Close to Jack Layton. Comes across well on TV.<\/p>\n CONS: Fun fact about Anne McGrath – she once ran for the Communist Party. Didn’t know that? Well, you will after the 200th CPC attack ad on the subject airs.<\/p>\n PROS: Young, articulate, and seen as a rising star on Parliament Hill<\/p>\n CONS: Fun fact about Megan Leslie – there are no fun facts about Megan Leslie.<\/p>\n PROS: Name recognition, and media enjoy writing about her. Given her complete lack of interest in politics before being elected, odds are she has never been a member of the Bloc Quebecois. Luckiest person on the face of the earth.<\/p>\n CONS: Weak french.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ka3d48LS70Y\/Tlliv7JHG2I\/AAAAAAAACsA\/pyPYyHGOPVk\/s1600\/topp.jpg\")
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Brian Topp<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Thomas Mulcair<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Gary Doer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Bill Blaikie<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Paul Dewar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Anne McGrath<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Megan Leslie<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
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Ruth-Ellen Brosseau<\/strong><\/p>\n