Conventional Choices examines twenty-five different leadershipelections over thirty-two years in three of Canada's maritimeprovinces to explore the backgrounds, attitudes, and motivations ofthose who select party leaders.

Selecting a leader is a momentous and defining choice for a politicalparty. Leaders symbolize their party and are a primary factor inelection outcomes. While much is known about the selection of nationalparty leaders, less is known about the provincial selection process,particularly in the Maritimes. Breaking new ground, ConventionalChoices examines twenty-five different leadership elections inthree maritime provinces. The analysis draws on an extraordinarily richdata set spanning thirty-two years to explore the backgrounds,attitudes, and motivations of those who select party leaders. It is animpressive study that offers fresh insights into leadership selectionand Maritime party politics.