Former astronaut Marc Garneau quitting bid to lead federal Liberals

By The Canadian Press
March 13 2013 06:42 AM

CP22457017 — Marc Garneau takes part in the Liberal leadership debate in Mississauga, Ont., on Saturday, February 16, 2103. Sources close to Garneau say he is pulling out of the party\'s leadership race in the face of what appears to be an insurmountable lead for front-runner Justin Trudeau. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

OTTAWA – Sources close to Liberal MP Marc Garneau say the former astronaut will announce this morning that he’s pulling out of the party’s leadership race.

Campaign officials tell The Canadian Press that Garneau has concluded it would be impossible to overtake front-runner Justin Trudeau, who enjoys a substantial lead in the race.

Garneau has spent the last few weeks trying to take the fight to Trudeau, but his efforts haven’t had much measurable impact.

Garneau is expected to make the announcement at a news conference later today.

His decision to withdraw leaves seven candidates in the running.

Voting will be conducted online and by phone early next month, with the winner to be announced on April 14.

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