Jonathan Goldbloom wants to represent Mount Royal

Goldbloom wants to rep Mount Royal Political strategist Jonathan Goldbloom is vying to be the Liberal candidate for Mount Royal.

The race to represent the people of Mount Royal has another contender: Jonathan Goldbloom, the son of a former provincial cabinet minister.

Goldbloom launched his campaign to capture the Liberal nomination this week with a show of support from his father Victor.

"It's nice for my father to have been here tonight and talk about what it means to be in politics," said Jonathan Goldbloom.

He is competing against the mayor of Cote St. Luc, Anthony Housefather, to be named the Liberal candidate for the riding, taking over from long-time MP Irwin Cotler.

"I think there's an enormous window of opportunity where we can change the debate In Quebec and focus less on national unity and more on rebuilding our city, with Coderre, with Couillard," said Goldbloom.

Goldbloom was surrounded by friends and family as he began his campaign at the Snowdon YM-YWHA.

"I think that he's a good candidate and I say that with more objectivity than just by virtue of being his father," said Victor Goldbloom, who was a provincial MNA and Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Environment in the 1970s.

Also on hand was former Ontario Premier Bob Rae, who says while the Conservative Party made a strong showing in the last election in the riding, he is confident the Liberals will win again.

"No question, it's going to take a lot of work and effort, but every election is a new election," said Rae.

Goldbloom ran Rae's 2006 leadership campaign, and the well-known MP has kind words for the would-be MP.

"Well he's very wise, he certainly knows the game, he knows what has to be done," said Rae.

Goldbloom says his first task will be to sign up new party members, and admits he is far behind his rival Housefather who declared his candidacy in March.

"My experience is different. Anthony's been a municipal politician and he's been a good municipal politician. I'm someone who's worked on broader issues," said Goldbloom.

The riding of Mount Royal has been a Liberal stronghold for decades, having elected Liberal MPs for 74 years.

Last week Robert Libman and Beryl Wajsman both declared they are seeking the Conservative nomination for the riding.