More of that Liberal Party democracy in action

The best way to not worry about the results of a vote is not to have one.

Showdown in Ottawa West-Nepean

Mr. Pratt had said he was ready for a nomination fight, but there won't be one. Following an unusual interview session with the Liberal riding association executive, its members recommended Mr. Pratt, 53, as the candidate with the best chance of winning back a seat the party held for 16 years until losing it to Mr. Baird.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Pratt got the nod from the national party -- casting aside would-be candidates Adriano Guzzo and Nour El Kadri, who had been campaigning for the nomination for months.

Mr. El Kadri, in particular, said he wanted an open nomination meeting, where the candidates' efforts to sell party memberships and build names for themselves could be put to the test.