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Rae Drops Out of Canadian Liberal Leadership Race, Leaving Ignatieff

by Jarrett Martineau | December 9, 2008 at 08:06 am

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The perilous journey of Canadian politics in recent weeks has taken another fascinating turn: Bob Rae is stepping down from the Liberal leadership race.

On Monday, current Liberal leader Stephane Dion announced his intention to resign as party leader once his successor was "duly chosen", just hours after Dominic LeBlanc withdrew from the leadership race.

That left only Mr. Rae and Michael Ignatieff in contention to lead the party, however, Tuesday morning Bob Rae announced that he "will withdraw from the Liberal leadership race" — leaving Ignatieff as the sole contender.

Toronto MP Bob Rae will withdraw from the Liberal leadership race on Tuesday, paving the way for Michael Ignatieff to serve as the party's next leader, CBC News has confirmed.

Rae is scheduled to hold a news conference in Ottawa early Tuesday afternoon, when he is expected to announce his decision.

His departure leaves Ignatieff as the sole contender.

New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc announced Monday he was ending his leadership campaign and throwing his support behind Ignatieff.