Long shots entering liberal race

A clutch of little- known long- shots is rushing in where Liberal luminaries fear to tread.

Justin Trudeau’s presumed lock on the federal Liberal leadership race has scared off some would- be big- name rivals; the party’s dismal third- place standing has rendered the top job unappealing to others.

But some virtual unknowns aren’t letting Trudeau’s celebrity or the party’s travails deter them.

Deborah Coyne, lawyer, public policy consultant and mother of Trudeau’s half- sister, Ottawa lawyer David Bertschi and Vancouver Crown prosecutor Alex Burton are already touring the country, although the race doesn’t officially begin until Nov. 14.

Toronto lawyer George Takach has assembled a campaign team, led by veteran organizer Mark Marissen, who orchestrated Stephane Dion’s successful comefrombehind bid for the leadership in 2006.

A number of others are still mulling over their chances and could yet give the line- up some heft, including Liberal House leader Marc Garneau, Canada’s first astronaut, former cabinet minister Martin Cauchon and Vancouver MP Joyce Murray.

Former MP Martha Hall Findlay, who finished last in the 2006 contest, is determined to take another run — provided she can pay off some $ 18,000 in debts remaining from her first stab at the party’s top spot. She is feverishly trying to raise money.

But, apart from Trudeau, most Liberal notables are taking a pass. Erstwhile Liberal stars like former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna and one- time deputy prime minister John Manley have ruled themselves out, as have most sitting MPs, including New Brunswick’s Dominic LeBlanc and Nova Scotia’s Scott Brison and Geoff Regan.

Not to mention Bob Rae, the party’s interim leader.