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By now the jokes write themselves: “Wouldn’t it be simpler just to list the Conservatives who aren’t running for leader?” With eight registered candidates, another six declared, and three or four more considering a run, the Tories are in the opposite conundrum to that of the NDP, whose leadership race has yet to attract its first candidate.

True, the Conservative race is absent most of the few names anyone can recall from Stephen Harper’s cabinet: Jason Kenney, Peter MacKay, John Baird, James Moore. Probably the biggest name, Tony Clement, has since pulled out, knowing enough not to mistake name recognition for support.

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Still, the upside of all this confusion is a race that is wide open; the last thing the Conservatives needed was a coronation. A party that in government had managed to stamp a deeply unpleasant image of itself on the public, even as its wayward policies were demoralizing supporters, has the opportunity in defeat to remake itself into something more appealing. The present raft of youngish pretenders — of 10 or so serious candidates, eight are under 50 — may not be household names, but together they present a fresh face for the party, and the makings of a formidable front bench. With seven months to go, there is time enough for candidates who now seem unimpressive to grow in stature. Or not. We shall see.