Pat Finucan, Mark MacDonald and Denis Sabourin are seeking the Provincial Liberal nomination in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. Their biggest hurdle, once they begin to debate Conservative Candidate Jim McDonnell and whomever the NDP puts forward, will be defending Dalton McGuinty’s record.

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Cornwall - May. 18, 2011 - Decision day for local Provincial Liberal supporters is nearing. With Jim Brownell set to “ride into the sunset” for a well deserved retirement, three hopefuls have been pleading their case as to why they should try and fill his shoes for the Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry seat at Queen Park.

Most political types I speak with agree that whether you supported Dalton McGuinty or not, you could support Brownell because of his work ethic and dedication to his constituents.

I wouldn’t want to be the person who follows Brownell. That’s not a knock on any of Pat Finucan, Mark McDonald or Denis Sabourin. I credit all three for wanting to follow in some pretty big footsteps. But Brownell set a pace that’ll tough to follow. And which one of the above mentioned candidates will get the nod once a nomination meeting date is decided?

Pat Finucan brings a wealth of experience from his educational background having been the top guy at the Cornwall campus of St. Lawrence College. He can lead and understands budgets. He was also one of the key people Bob Kilger turned to for his Mayoral re-election campaign last fall. That speaks volumes as to the confidence a seasoned political veteran like Kilger has in Finucan’s abilities to lead and represent.

Mark McDonald. His support comes mainly from the City of Cornwall from his days as a City Councillor. Mark’s supporters can be labeled die hards meaning they’ll back their candidate through thick or thin. He’s known for speaking his mind and sometimes that’s a good thing in attempting to get what’s best for residents.

Denis Sabourin. He’s got the edge on the other two candidates when it comes to being a political veteran. He’s a longtime past assistant to Kilger (when BK was MP) who is well known to rural residents. He lives and breathes politics and sure knows his way around Parliament Hill. The question is will that translate into knowing his way around Queen’s Park?

Three worthy candidates but their biggest battle won’t be winning the nomination. Their biggest hurdle, once they begin to debate Conservative Candidate Jim McDonnell and whomever the NDP puts forward, will be defending Dalton McGuinty’s record. One thing I’ve brought up to any Liberal supporter, explain what the words “no new taxes” mean to you.