More rumors than a French Renaissance court

As expected, Stephane Dion announced today that he will step down as federal Liberal leader once a leadership convention is held. A bit anti-climatic, considering vocal Liberal supporters have been calling for his resignation since he was chosen leader.

Nothing causes a greater flurry of rumors than potential chaos in the Liberal party. Reporters and bloggers from sites large to small have been predicting Dion's departure, which stopped being exciting about as soon as he made the announcement. Before he made it, actually.

The question, of course, is who will step up to the plate?

Let the speculation begin!

Nothing really surprising has emerged thus far. Former frontrunners Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae might try again. John Manley's name is circulating once again, though he will quickly squash those should he think it necessary. And once again Frank McKenna, the beloved Liberal saviour of New Brunswick, is being touted as a quality candidate.

Out of those options, I'd have to say McKenna would be the practical and logical choice. But, since he'd likely end up as Prime Minister, it's unlikely the party will select him anyway. Perverse creatures. The only people more confused than Stephane Dion at the last leadership convention were the delegates.

Why McKenna? One, he's fairly young and dynamic. Two, he's a known quantity in Washington, knows his diplomacy, and forms a venerable cabinet when given the opportunity. He's also a known quantity with a ridiculously successful track record. Three, he's a lawyer, but people like him anyway.

Fast Frank in Ottawa would shake this country up a little. We both know that might just be a good thing. At the very least, it provides the left with a (desperately needed) charismatic, capable leader with experience (eat your heart out, Iggy) and strong public support (how can Ontario forget Bob?). Manley may give him a run for it, should he choose to come out hot on the heels of his Afghan report.

All in all, it's almost enough to keep a person interested in Canadian politics these days.

Almost.