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Three-way race for Doer's job

Selinger expected to announce run for NDP's top job

By: Carol Sanders

Posted: 09/8/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Ten years after being elected to the legislature, Manitoba Finance Minister Greg Selinger is expected to announce today he's in the running for the NDP's top job.The St. Boniface MLA is holding a press conference at 12:30 p.m. at Norwood Community Centre.

"It sounds like he's going to come in as a real heavyweight," University of Manitoba political studies professor Paul Thomas said Monday night.

Several cabinet ministers are expected to flank Selinger when he announces his candidacy for the NDP leadership today, he said. "Apparently, it will be obvious that he has significant support within the cabinet and caucus."

The question is whether or not he has the charm and people skills to appeal to voters, he said.

Selinger is the third man to enter the race after Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton announced their candidacy last week.

Some political observers have wondered why it has taken Selinger so long to declare his candidacy. The leadership convention takes place in Winnipeg on Oct. 17.

Selinger took his time weighing his options, a party member close to him said earlier.

"There's a lot of pressure on him to run. A lot of people want him to run."

The finance minister has held one of the most demanding cabinet jobs for the past decade, said Thomas.

Being premier would require even greater personal sacrifice, like being away from family more and having even less holiday time.

"I think he must have been under tremendous pressure (to run)," said Thomas.

"He already has a reputation as a policy expert with budgets that are politically successful and in economic terms."

Thomas said that might not sit well with some in the party.

"Some people will say he's been too close to the centre of power too long -- that this transition to new leadership means they've got to change the image of the party," said Thomas.

"Some people will say he's been responsible for watering down democratic socialism of the NDP. I think that voice is a small voice," said Thomas.

As for Manitoba voters, most have only seen Selinger -- who is also the minister in charge of French Language Services, Crown Corporations Public Review and Accountability Act, the Civil Service Commission and Manitoba Hydro -- as a serious guy in charge of the province's finances.

"Budgets are serious documents and he defends them very ably -- he knows the numbers and he counters attacks," said Thomas.

"Whether he can warm up to people and come across to people on TV is the question."

NDP leader Premier Gary Doer, who is leaving to become Canada's ambassador to the U.S., is a tough act to follow, said Thomas.

"His best-selling feature is he was successful across party lines and all segments of society. (Doer) connects so well with the people who drink beer and the people who drink white wine."

Voters want the smarts and the charm, said Thomas.

"We respect people with policy depth... We also like our leaders to be engaging."

Selinger will have to show he's got lots of both, said Thomas. "Some people (in the NDP) will be asking 'Can he get us a fourth term in office?'"

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 8, 2009 A4

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