Former provincial Liberal cabinet minister and outgoing economic development CEO Sandra Pupatello is showing interest in running federally.
President of the Windsor West Federal Liberal Association David Sundin says he's trying to convince Pupatello to take the plunge, but wouldn't say much more. "At this time we're not ready to make any announcements," he says.
"She's one of the interested parties, but there are three other potential candidates besides her," says Sundin. "I think it's safe to say that if Sandra were to seek the nomination, the local Liberals would be very supportive of that."
Keeping the options open, Sundin says name recognition isn't the main attribute in a potential candidate. "Name recognition certainly matters, but I don't think it's the be-all-end-all ... intelligence and (being) ready to debate is certainly, I think, are more important to us," he says.
Another factor Pupatello must consider is whether or not she can dethrone longtime NDP Windsor-West MP Brian Masse.
"There seems to be a perception out there that Brian Masse is somehow unbeatable. I don't think that's the case at all," says Sundin. "Mr. Masse sat in opposition for the past 12 years, who unfortunately although being a very nice individual, I think has accomplished very little for this region."
Pupatello couldn't immediately be reached for comment. While throwing jabs at her resignation news conference on Monday, she wouldn't give any hints as to what her next steps may be. "I don't shut the door completely because I never thought I'd run the first time," she said.
