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Will Charest return to Tories?

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Tue, 2009-04-28 18:20

#1

-=+=-

Will Charest return to Tories?

Some pundits are beginning to say that, after Harper's recent problems, the Tories just can't support another Alberta leader (assuming that he will have to resign some time in the near future, perhaps after the next election).

People used to moot Bernard Lord as a francophone leader for the Tories. But now it is being suggested that Charest return to lead the party. What are the chances of that happening?

He seems to have finally solidified his position in Quebec. However, returning to federal politics and perhaps becoming Prime Minister must be pretty tempting. Any predictions as to what he might do?

Tue, 2009-04-28 18:26

#2

Lard Tunderin Jeezus Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

I think he's too smart to get involved in the factious mess that will be left when Harper goes down.

Tue, 2009-04-28 18:42

#3

Debater

No. They don't want him anyway. He has burned his bridges with them after his criticism of them in the last election.

Tue, 2009-04-28 20:11

#4

Coyote

When it comes to power or its lack, few bridges are ever really burned.

Tue, 2009-04-28 20:37

#5

Stephen Gordon

It's an interesting question. One possibility is that he might decide to hang up his skates, play golf and cash the occasional cheque: he's almost certain to be offered any number of directorships.

But OTOH, he's only 50. And he's one of the finest campaigners in Canada: too many people forget that in the 1998 election, he actually won the popular vote, at the height of Bouchard's popularity. I can't imagine that he's frightened at the prospect of running against Michael Ignatieff. Or any of the other potential CPC candidates.

Tue, 2009-04-28 21:09

#6

David Young

Why do I get the feeling that if Jean Charest were to jump back to federal politics and become leader of the Conservatives, you'd see a Western Canada movement to create a new party on the political right?

Oh, wait. Hasn't that happened before?

Tue, 2009-04-28 21:13

#7

Coyote

I think that danger is ever present in the current climate. But there's a lot of business boys out there with some deep pockets who want to see a Conservative government. They worked hard to unite the Right and they won't lose it without a fight.

Wed, 2009-04-29 13:17

#8

thorin_bane

Then I think we should encourage both Charest and the westerner...you know for the good of the country;)

Wed, 2009-04-29 15:26

#9

Debater

David Young wrote:

Why do I get the feeling that if Jean Charest were to jump back to federal politics and become leader of the Conservatives, you'd see a Western Canada movement to create a new party on the political right?

Oh, wait. Hasn't that happened before?

Well I think you may be right that there could be resistance to having another federal party leader from Quebec.

Wed, 2009-04-29 15:56

Noise

For what it's worth, the move to create a new party far off on the right has existed here for quite sometime, strengthened by Harpers general movement to the center (perceived movement anyway)...it was at it's highest when Flaherty reversed the descision on trust fund taxing I think. It lacks leadership as far as I know though, but Charest may push some leaders to join the movement.

Wed, 2009-04-29 19:44

adma

My feeling is, the Tory insider climate might as well still feel more comfortable with an Albertan-drenched-in-curds-and-gravy such as Maxime Bernier, than with Charest...