Jeff Browaty                     Kelvin Goertzen               Brian Pallister

The provincial Conservative party's search for a new leader to replace Hugh McFadyen still has no official candidates, although names like former Portage-Lisgar MP Brian Pallister, Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen, and Winnipeg City Councillor Jeff Browaty have been mentioned.

Brandon University Political Science Professor Kelly Saunders doesn't see the lack of leadership candidates as a problem for the party because it needs to re-invent itself in the wake 2011's election defeat. She adds potential candidates are wise to take time to ponder the commitment they have to make for the position.

Saunders calls all three possible candidates credible, with each bringing strengths for the position. She points to Pallister's time in the legislature and Parliament, Goertzen's strong support as a member of the current Tory provincial caucus, and Browaty's high profile as a city councillor in Winnipeg.

Saunders believes potential candidates have plenty of time to declare, noting most citizens aren't concerned about the leadership race, and many party members may be fatigued after participating in three elections over the last year. She thinks candidates may start to come forward in the late summer or early fall.

The leadership convention's in late October.