The polls are open, and let's not kid ourselves, that there will be a change in leadership for the Manitoba NDP shortly after the ballots are counted. Who should that be?
The immediate problem is that very few Cacus members know what it's like to be in opposition. These few are (assuming they are all re-elected) are Dave Chomiak, Steve Ashton, Eric Robinson, and Jim Malloway. I think it would be wise to pick an interim leader from this group who can draw on their experiences of the 1990s. This will help them steer the the rest of the Caucus and the Opposition will begin to draw blood right out of the gate. Of this group, I think Chomiak and Ashton are good choices. Eric Robinson would also be a good choice, not only to send a positive message to First Nations, but to Manitobans who live outside Winnipeg that their votes and voices matter.
This will allow a time of transition so that the party can find someone who can build on this and win in 2020. Who can win in 2020? Kevin Chief has been discussed a great deal, so no need to speak to that right now. I think Sharon Blady should seriously consider a run, even if she loses her own seat. I saw her at a poverty forum, and she did a bang-up job defending the NDP, which is no easy feat for a government that's been in power with the baggage that's associated with that. How about Nahani Fontaine? Not only would it be great to see a First Nation's women leading this province, but she has the additional benefit of having no personal connections to any of the unpopular decisions the outgoing government has made. Is there someone else we don't know about?