Pupatello, Sousa expected to announce Liberal leadership bids: sources
Posted November 7, 2012 7:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Former Liberal cabinet minister Sandra Pupatello is expected to be the next person to announce that she will enter the Ontario Liberal leadership race.
Sources confirmed to The Canadian Press that the former Windsor West MPP will launch her bid to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty on Thursday morning in Toronto.
Finance minister and friend Dwight Duncan would not confirm Pupatello’s intent to run but told CityNews that he would support her decision.
“I think she’ll be a terrific candidate. I indicated, when I chose not to run, that if she runs I will support her,” Duncan said. “I think she’ll bring a certain energy and style to the contest that will put her in good standing with delegates.”
In a surprise move, McGuinty suspended the legislature and announced on Oct. 15 that he would resign as leader once a new one is chosen at the Liberal leadership convention in Toronto on Jan. 25-27, 2013.
On Nov. 4, Toronto-Centre MPP Glen Murray was the first to announce his intention to run in the leadership race. The next day Don Valley West MPP Kathleen Wynne formally announced her candidacy.
Duncan said he thinks the range of candidates is good for the party.
“It’s going to be an exciting leadership. A lot of good candidates (are) now coming forward. It gives the party a chance to renew and invigorate itself,” he explained. “I’m excited for the party that we have a range of good choices.”
Numerous media sources also say that Citizenship and Immigration Minister Charles Sousa will add his name to the ballot on Saturday in Mississauga.
Before he does so, Sousa must resign his cabinet post.
Who do you think should replace McGuinty? Share your names in the comments below.
