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OTTAWA — The Liberal leadership race hasn’t yet started but cracks are already appearing amid debate over what constitutes a serious candidate — and concerns some contenders will use the campaign to simply raise their profiles.

The issue highlights the challenge all political parties face as they promote an open race that will produce the best possible leader while trying to prevent also-rans from dominating the field.

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The Liberal leadership race kicks off on Nov. 13, and there are already numerous names kicking around as potential contenders.

The list includes prominent members of Parliament such as Justin Trudeau, Marc Garneau, Denis Coderre and Dominic Leblanc.

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It also includes former MPs and Liberal candidates who failed to win seats during last year’s federal election, as well as several people who have been elected to office.

Many Liberals are privately hoping that when all is said and done, the race will come down to a narrow field of strong and exciting contenders ultimately producing a leader capable of reversing the party’s fading fortunes.