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The only thing we know for sure about the outcome of the Conservative leadership race is that Kevin O’Leary quit before he could be counted. Conservatives are now left with 13 options to replace Stephen Harper.

There’s no perfect choice; there never is. But there is enough punching power to take on Justin Trudeau and whichever poor sap ends up with Thomas Mulcair’s job.

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The next Conservative leader must: 1) keep the party united; 2) provide an effective opposition; and 3) attract support to the Conservative movement by pitching conservative policies.

There’s no point picking a leader who has no mates in the party. Also pointless? Picking someone who is liked but can’t land a blow against Trudeau. But most useless of all would be to pick someone who has support and House chutzpah but isn’t able to broaden the Conservative base.

The saddest part of this contest has been its introversion; there has been too much said to people who are likely to vote Conservative no matter what.