Jack Layton spent much time in his last days crafting his messages of hope, justice, optimism, equality and integrity: encouraging us to move on and build on the Orange Crush that he was such a key part of.

So far I’ve heard of 17 who people are talking about considering as leadership contenders; few are clear with confirmations so far until the leadership rules come out next week.

Here are the names I’ve heard, alphabetically. If I’ve missed some, toss them into the comments below, please.

• Angus
• Belanger
• Boivin
• Chisholm
• Chow
• Cullen
• Davies
• Davies
• Dewar
• Julian
• Leslie
• Martin
• Mulcair
• Nash
• Saganash
• Savoie
• Topp

Doer sounds like a solid no.

The first litmus test is bilingualism.

Another is someone who can define their own style of leadership that is as engaging as Jack Layton’s was, particularly in the last 6 months, but that is also a natural fit as their own.

Another will be their vision of involving the Quebec caucus in a meaningful way, respecting their majority of numbers, combined with their inexperience as MPs [as opposed to other significant areas of life].

Another will be in working the membership demographics. The west has a majority of members. BC has the most of all provinces. There will be huge membership sign-ups, particularly in Ontario and Quebec.

Another will be in ensuring an open, constructive relationship with organized labour.