It was interesting to see a report yesterday about the amount of money the many Liberal leadership candidates has raised. The results are both amusing and interesting. The leading fundraisers, according to the report, are Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae. Other candidates are apparently a long way behind in raising money, making these two appear to be significant frontrunners. So what can be said about them?

Let's start with Bob - that's Bob, not Robert (if you don't believe me, check out his website) - Rae. Rae started out life as a New Democrat (so he had it right once), but it seems he's become a Liberal. Uh-huh. Rae has been a public presence as the result of his work on a couple of commissions, including one which examined post-secondary education in Ontario. As a result of my job, I participated in a number of events related to that endeavour - make no mistake, Rae is no New Democrat these days. Believe him when he says he is now a Liberal.

Michael - he doesn't seem like a Mike - Ignatieff is an academic who hasn't lived in Canada for decades. His political experience is, well, non-existent.  He did run (and win) as a candidate last time. On the other hand, look where people with political experience have gotten us. Part of Iggy's appeal (I stole that from here) is probably that he reminds people of Trudeau. On the other hand, no matter how you cut if, he is a right wing candidate - his support for Dubya and the war in Iraq are examples of his views.

Hmm, let's review the choices then. A political turncoat on the left, and a political neophyte academic on the right. Says a lot about the Liberal Party these days. Stephen Harper must be very pleased.