Kennedy Gains Momentum

I don't think there is any question that Gerard Kennedy is quickly emerging as the new era Liberal:

A group of about a dozen young Liberal MPs acting as a bloc is poised to support former Ontario education minister Gerard Kennedy's bid to become leader of the federal Liberal Party.

The group's support would be a boost for Mr. Kennedy, 45, who has never been a member of the federal Liberal caucus and is not well known outside Ontario. The Kennedy campaign team is emphasizing generational change and the support of young MPs would underline that and show he has early momentum...

it is believed that the group numbers between 12 and 15, of which the majority are young MPs elected in the last two elections.

These endorsements are particularly important because these MP's are largely outside of the old Liberal power structure. I firmly believe the only hope for the Liberal Party is a decisive break from the past, so that Liberals can argue the reform angle with some credibility. The growing support from young Liberals and relatively fresh MP's solidifies Kennedy as the true progressive. Coupled with the perceived lack of political baggage, Kennedy is poised to make the generational change.

It is quite encouraging to see so many people moving to Kennedy so early because it serves as an acknowledgement of the political reality. There is little time for half-measures and timid reform, if the Liberals hope to regain power in the next decade. Kennedy is the only candidate in the top-tier that has the "outsider" status to effectively present a modern party. The fact that these MP's are making a bold endorsement speaks to ambitious reform. No wonder Layton is getting itchy.