The 45th Canadian federal election is the Liberals’ to lose. That’s not a line anyone would have written two months ago. But today, just three days into the campaign, opinion polls show the party ahead by up to seven points. All the gains the Conservatives made in the past two years have melted like the proverbial snow in springtime.

Suddenly, former Liberal candidates, including Ministers Anita Anand and Sean Fraser, have decided that spending more time with their family is less interesting than sticking around for a potential majority government. The Liberals claim that over 100 potential candidates have sought them out, and they’re probably telling the truth. The scent of power, and traditionally safe seats in many urban areas, is no doubt very alluring.