Some send notes, pass messages through friends, or just wait nervously by the phone. But only Prime Minister Stephen Harper decides who gets the political reward of a Senate seat.
Mr. Harper is poised to name five new senators before March 3, and likely within a week or two. The new arrivals, for the first time under Mr. Harper, will make the Conservatives the largest party in the Senate, so one criterion is likely to trump all: being a Tory.
Insiders say there is another key qualification in this round of appointments: experience in a legislature. Although senators are often chosen from other fields – former NHL coach Jacques Demers went in with the last batch – the Conservative leadership believes it needs to shore up legislative experience to help drive government bills through the Senate. The Conservatives also want to make sure they grab the maximum benefit from their new-found control over Senate committees, where much of the legislative work is conducted.
Although rumours abound, here are some of the names that Tory insiders say are under consideration:
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All those name are probably good choices, but I hope he appoints younger ones.
Should the PM get a majority, there are about 20 senators set to retire within the next 4 years, to take complete control of the Senate. The ones mentioned would only be there for about 6 yrs, and could/would be replaced by a libs if he loses the next election.
I want them all to be in their 50′s, so reform could really start to happen.
Tongue in cheek-what if he asked a couple of leaders from Ont to accept a seat and sit and vote with the conservatives-and they said ok. Wouldn’t that cause an uproar.
Those against electing senators are giving up a chance to get to the red chamber.
Might be the only way for a dipper or bloc follower to get there. Or, do they know they would never get elected. Even May could run, if she ever decides where she lives.
That’s interesting bench strength shaping up for the Senate.
And when it’s time to pick a GG, Rex Murphy fits the bill. Because it is now a prerequisite that the GG comes from the CBC and that they be cute.
I think Ignatief would be a good choice as he may soon be available. After all, he did give up a promising career at Harvard to serve his country and therefore should be appropriately rewarded.
#3, I think Ignatief and Layton would be great choices for Ont Senators, if they promised to support senate reform and vote with the conservatives on every bill.
The apoplexy of the media types would be fun to watch. Would ctv/cbc turn on them like they turned on Duffy.
sarc off
I think that the Prime Minister should ask the people of Sask/Alta, who have Provincial enabling legislation, to elect the senators for the backward provinces. Seems fair to me, it would even help to ‘equalize’ the lopsided representation problem ( ie heavy weight Eastern rep – feather weight Western rep).
PMSH has managed to surprise most people with his choices for Senators and I expect that will continue. In fact, I hope such is the case!
Thanks Mac – I sit by the phone awaiting his call.