We're really not sure why anyone would actually want this job, but Public Eye has learned at least two Martini candidates will be competing for the somewhat dubious distinction of being president of the federal Liberals in British Columbia (a post previously manned by Billy Cunningham, who is now heading up the minister's regional office in Vancouver). The first candidate: Patrick Maloney, an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Mr. Maloney, the riding association president for Vancouver Centre (Hedy Fry's constituency), publicly backed the forced retirement campaign against Prime Minister Jean Chretein. Back in June 2002, he told Vancouver Sun reporter Peter O'Neil "I support the prime minister, but if he really believes we should be acting in the best interests of the party and the country for the long term, we should have a farewell party for him as soon as possible."

Mr. Maloney will be running against Jamie Elmhirst, a lobbyist with search warrant target Pilothouse Public Affairs Group Inc. Mr. Elmhirst is considered by some to be one of the more talented graduates of the University of Victoria Young Liberals social club (whose alumni includes the majority of party operatives in the province). He previously worked as an assistant to aristocratic cabinet minister Lord David of Anderson (who has since been dethroned from that vaunted position). Mr. Elmhirst also did a stint as Gordon Campbell's body man, during the provincial Liberal's opposition days. And he later became ministerial assistant to Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray when the party won government.

Liberals will be choosing between Messrs. Maloney and Elmhirst at their biennial convention, which is scheduled to be held in Penticton on November 13 and 14.