prime minister if you're leader of the Liberal party." However, he put an end to his association with the 2006 Liberal Party leadership race, explaining that he did not want "his life to become consumed by politics." as he had allowed it to become when he was premier of New Brunswick. He also said his decision was in part because: "I reminded myself of my vow upon leaving office that, having escaped the trap, I wouldn't go back for the cheese." January 31, 2006 - Brian Tobin announces he will not seek the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. Mr. Tobin rationalized his stepping out of the running as an opportunity for the Liberal Party to heal, revitalize and rejuvenate itself. In his words: "...I think it's time for new blood and I think it's time for new players and I think this is an opportunity for the Liberal party to renew itself and, in the process, to heal itself a little bit as well." and that: "I think that I've had my opportunity and I made my contribution. I enjoyed it enormously." February 1, 2006 - Prime Minister Martin announces that he will remain leader of the Liberal Party until his successor is chosen but will not take on the position of leader of the opposition, allowing caucus to choose a parliamentary leader. Later that day the Liberal caucus chooses Bill Graham for that position, and Lucienne Robillard is named as his deputy. Martin subsequently moved up the date his resignation became effective to March 18, 2006. February 3, 2006 - Both Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock announce they will not run for the leadership of the Liberal party. February 6, 2006 - Martin resigns as Prime Minister, succeeded by Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. February 8, 2006 - Martha Hall Findlay becomes first to declare candidacy for the leadership. March 1, 2006 - The Toronto Star reports that Gerard Kennedy is seriously considering a leadership bid and that he is backed by Senator Terry Mercer, former national director of the Liberal Party of Canada. March 9, 2006 - Scott Brison is revealed to have sent an email to an investment banker in November 2005 prior to the Martin government's change of policy on income trusts. It is also revealed that the RCMP had interviewed Brison as part of its investigation on an alleged leak of information on the