I seem to recall that there were many Liberals running for their leadership but, in the end, they chose to go with name recognition over substance and ability. Better candidates such as martha Hall Findley were voted down because the brain trust of the party wanted the boy king and his hair. 

I've no problem with the slew of candidates right now. If more join so be it. It's called a leadership contest where people put forth their ideas and others vote on who they like. I'd rather democracy as opposed to a back room deal.