Sand in the Shorts: The Race to Succeed Jack Layton

By James Phieffer - also published in the August 27, 2011 Intelligencer

Whatever else one might say of Jack Layton, he was a key part of the New Democratic Party going from also ran status when he took over as leader in 2003 to being the official opposition party in 2011. And even as he is laid to rest, his own wish that a leadership convention be held in January leads to the question of who might replace him.

The candidates will gradually start to appear over the next month, some sooner, some later, depending on issues such as funding and support within caucus and throughout the membership. A key area of support too will be labour, as provided for under the NDP's constitution. Since others are addressing the question of who, I will focus more on what the NDP should, and shouldn't, be looking for.

First, not Libby Davies. The NDP's lunatic fringe might be a bastion of reliable votes, but the leadership of the party cannot come from here. Davies has embarrassed herself before with anti-Israel remarks and statements, up to the point a couple of years ago when she questioned the Jewish nation's right to exist. Davies or any other leader from this group would destroy the NDP's credibility with mainstream Canadians and doom it to a quick return to fringe party status.

Thomas Mulcair ruled himself out when he made his mind-numbingly stupid comments questioning the veracity of US President Barack Obama's statement that Osama bin Laden was dead. Well, bin Laden was pushing up flowers, and so should any realistic chance that Mulcair might end up leading the NDP.

What the NDP needs to find isn't a Layton clone. Instead, they need to seek out a leader who is capable of controlling the party's left while putting forward the NDP as a party aspiring towards the centre. Essentially, they need a leader known and active in NDP circles who has demonstrated an attractiveness to current Liberal and Green voters.

So, who do I think should be in the mix?

Consider, if you will, Lorne Calvert and Gary Doer. Both are former NDP premiers, who were able to attract votes from areas of their provinces where the federal representation was Liberal or Conservative. Both have demonstrated many of the skills necessary for an NDP leader who aspires to broaden the party's appeal. Doer in particular was known for getting along with Prime Minister Stephen Harper when he was premier. These should both be considered for the party leadership.

And I'll throw out three interesting (but not necessarily likely) possibilities:

First, MP Megan Leslie, who has experience in areas such as the environment. She's young and has a good reputation as on of the NDP's “veteran” (she was first elected in 2008) MP’s.

Peter Stoffer should run. He has perhaps the best potential to lead the NDP into government, as he is known for his populist and pragmatic streak. He has the potential to win over non-traditional NDP voters with his combination of affability and lack of ideological drive. Simply, he won't scare them.

Finally, how about Bill Blaikie? The retired long time MP and runner up for the NDP leadership brings a strong reputation to go with that powerful voice. He is respected both inside the party as well as outside it. He too should run.

So grab the popcorn and beverage of choice, as this ought to be interesting.