Tony Clement expected to join federal Conservative leadership race

MISSISSAUGA, ON (NEWS 1130) – The federal Conservative leadership race is set to become a bit more crowded today, as longtime MP Tony Clement makes a “special announcement” at a Legion Hall in Mississauga.

While Clement would immediately become the elder statesman of the race, his political experience may prove to be his biggest challenge.

Clement is making it clear he’s about to enter the race, tweeting that he will build on his service to the party and the country, and lay out a plan to win.

Clement began his political career 21 years ago in the Ontario Legislature and Maclean’s Ottawa Bureau Chief John Geddes calles him a dogged politician.

“He’s lost leadership races before. He’s lost elections before. He just keeps coming back. He’s very tenacious.”

But Geddes points out the Conservative party is looking to renew and distance itself from the previous government — one that Clement is closely tied to. “[He was] a loyal soldier every step of the way in the Harper government — a front bench guy.”

“It’s an indelible connection to the Harper era — a very tight connection. There are literally dozens of quotes… if you wanted to go at Tony Clement [you could say] say, ‘Hey, he was part of… the Harper era, he was part and parcel part of that.”

Along with shaking past ties, Geddes says Clement may face challenges doing battle with the charisma of competitors like Maxime Bernier or Lisa Raitt, who is still considering her options. MPs Michael Chong and Kellie Leitch are also in the running.

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