VICTORIA – When the NDP elected Carole James leader in 2003, she celebrated, but there was very little to cheer.

She was leading a party on the verge of extinction two MLAs in the legislature unable to form even official party status.

It was a long and winding road back from political oblivion, something she was pointing out Monday to critics.

Under her leadership over seven years the NDP grew from two seats to 35.

She began her political career in 1990 as a Greater Victoria School Trustee, serving as Board Chair and later as Chair of the B.C. School Trustees Association.

But most people in British Columbia will remember James as leader of the opposition.

UVIC political scientist Denis Pilon believes there are a number of potential successors for NDP leader on Vancouver Island including Maurine Karagianis and Rob Fleming.

Leonard Krog is one of the so-called baker’s dozen responsible for pushing James out of the leader’s office. If Krog is considering a run, he’s not showing his cards.

Juan De Fuca MLA John Horgan is being a little bolder. Horgan is a strong supporter of Carole James and told the Goldstream News Gazette that leadership is something he’s thinking about.

But Horgan says he was misquoted and has made no decision on his future.

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