Rae bows out

Michael Ignatieff's gambit (linked here) appears to have paid off:

Bob Rae told his supporters in a conference call Tuesday that he will end his bid for the Liberal leadership, CTV News has learned.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife confirmed Tuesday that Rae will not challenge frontrunner Michael Ignatieff — virtually ensuring that Ignatieff will become Liberal leader.

"I put my support behind Michael Ignatieff," Rae told the small group of close supporters, according to notes obtained by Fife.

"I know many will be disappointed but our interests must be put aside."

Rae also said his "goal has been and will be democracy and not division."

It's been a real whirlwind tour of Canadian politics for the last two weeks, hasn't it? We're running out of shoes to drop . . . I hope.

Traditionally, it's been the Conservatives who've indulged in public squabbles, open rebellion, and active sabotage of party for personal gain. The Liberals, in contrast, have historically done a much better job of leashing, collaring, and herding their supporters. Now we wait to see how long the Conservatives can stick together without someone deciding it's time to seek promotion the fast way (by knifing the current leader).