Draft Erin Weir

No, Saskatchewan's NDP leadership campaign isn't officially underway. But Jim Stanford and a lengthy list of distinguished Canadian economists have a suggestion as to who might deserve a look once the race begins:

We, the undersigned economists, write to encourage you to nominate Erin Weir for your provincial leadership. He is a committed social democrat with an extensive record of articulating public policies to ensure that all Saskatchewan people benefit from economic development. Having a prominent economist as leader would strengthen the NDP’s credibility on fiscal and economic issues.

We also note that Premier Brad Wall has emerged as a vocal critic of national social programs and of the federal NDP. The province and the country would be well served by a Saskatchewan NDP leader able to engage Wall and advance a progressive western perspective on national economic issues.

So far, most of the leadership discussion has been based on an expected contest between current MLAs Trent Wotherspoon and Cam Broten, with a significant X-factor in the possibility that 2009 runner-up Ryan Meili might join the fray. But the addition of Erin's name to the mix should nicely expand the range of options in time for this weekend's policy convention - not to mention shaking up what we might have expected for next year's leadership vote.

Update: For those wondering whether there would be a more organized Draft Erin Weir movement, the answer is yes.