Auditioning to Become the First Minister

A lot of people are considering whether or not they want to become the Premier for the remainder of the 39th Parliament. The following is a list of potential candidates currently "mulling" over the idea:

George Abbot Minister of Education, and MLA for Shuswap since 1996. Mr. Abbott is the only potential contender evidently seriously considering the leadership role. His role in cabinet is not too influential, but is an upgrade from Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation. He may have difficulty gaining the support of the inner party, let alone constituency associations across the province. Still, I would call him to be one of the first to announce his candidacy publicly.

Rich Coleman Minister of Housing, Public Safety, Solicitor-General, and MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove since 1996. Mr. Coleman too rose up in the ranks of the Executive Council shortly before Mr. Campbell announced his resignation, but is also far from the Premier's desk, and he will have his work cut out for him should he choose to seek it.

Kevin Falcon Minister of Health Services and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale since 2001. Mr. Falcon, who is known by the NDP for his blistering and false attacks on the party could very well take control of the westernmost province of Canada. His position in cabinet is quite influential and unlike most other cabinet hopefuls, he looks like a Premier.

Mike de Jong Attorney General and MLA for Matsqui from 1994-1996, Abbotsford-Mount Lehman from 1996-2009 and Abbotsford West since 2009. Mike de Jong has the capability to become leader due to his current role as Government House Leader, and is widely regarded as Mr. Campbell's right-hand man along with Mr. Hansen.

Carole Taylor Former Minister of Finance and MLA for Vancouver-Langara from 2005-2008. Of all candidates discussed thus far, Ms. Taylor has the most charisma, and is disassociated from the HST for her opposition and lack of participating in the decision making. Unfortunately, she has accepted the chancellery at Simon Fraser University beginning in June 2011, so it is unlikely she will run.

Dianne Watts Mayor of Surrey. Ms. Watts is a very popular local politician having transformed the political landscape of Metro Vancouver. Her term as Mayor will expire in November 2011, so the potential for her early resignation is present.

It's nice to see two woman as potential candidates, both of whom are the most widely discussed to be the next Premier. Also, most candidates have young families, something that could easily resonate with families around our great province. Who will succeed Gordon Campbell and continue the failed policies of conservatism down in Victoria? For now, it is too early to say, but my guess is, the people on the list above this will quickly reveal their intentions.