Battle: Toronto-Centre
George Smitherman tells Newstalk 1010 he's seriously considering throwing his hat into the ring, noting Ottawa is the next step for him politically. Smitherman says he's had extensive talks with his family about the issue.
Smitherman calls Toronto-Centre "home political territory" given that was his riding as MPP at Queen's Park and says believes he has enough support to keep the riding red.
However, Sachin Aggarwal may be the Liberal favourite . Sources close to the 34-year-old say high-level Liberals have approached him to seek the nomination, including Ontario Transportation Minister Glen Murray, who represents the Toronto-Centre riding provincially.
Two sources confirm Aggarwal is seriously thinking about the move.
When asked about going up against younger candidates seeking the nomination, the 49-year-old former provincial Health Minister says he still considers himself young and notes his experience speaks for itself. However, he underlines he may not be the pitbull he once was in the legislature.
Aggarwal is seen as less confrontational than Smitherman.
He was a campaign manager for underdog Toronto mayoralty candidate Rocco Rossi in the 2010 municipal election. Smitherman lost in that same election to Mayor Rob Ford.
Smitherman brushes aside the thought that any one event - like the mayoral loss or eHealth scandal spending tied to his name - would affect his chances to run federally.
The dates for the Toronto-Centre by-election and the Liberal nomination meeting to choose the party's candidate have not been set.
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