One of these women likely to be Ontario's next Premier (photos)

As the Ontario Liberal leadership race to select Dalton McGuinty's successor moves towards its conclusion during the upcoming weekend, two women are clearly leading the pack.

It seems all but certain that either Sandra Pupatello (left) or Kathleen Wynne (right) will claim the top job and become the province's first female Premier.

Following are news releases issued today by their campaigns:

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From: Pupatello campaign

Final stretch brings more ex-officios backing Pupatello
                       
TORONTO (January 21) – With only a few days remaining in the campaign to elect the Ontario Liberal Party’s next leader, Sandra Pupatello continued to gain momentum, receiving endorsements from two more ex-officio party members.

Caroline Di Cocco, former Minister of Culture and MPP for the riding of Sarnia-Lambton, stressed in her endorsement that Pupatello is unique among the candidates in her ability to reach out to every corner of the province.

“I’ve paid close attention to this critical leadership campaign over the last two months, proud as both a Liberal and Ontarian to see the quality of candidates we have to offer as our next leader and premier,” said Di Cocco.

“Sandra has proved in this time – as she has throughout her career as an MPP in opposition and government – that she has the qualities of a leader, and a natural ability to connect with people.”

Eric Davis, the Liberal candidate from this past fall’s by-election in Kitchener-Waterloo, also endorsed Pupatello on Monday.

"The next provincial election, whenever it comes, will be challenging for our party. That's why we need Sandra Pupatello to lead us. She has the experience, vision and passion to lead our party to victory in the next election."

The two new endorsements bring to 90 the number of ex-officio Liberals publicly supporting Pupatello at this weekend’s leadership convention.

For a complete list of endorsements from prominent Ontario Liberals, visit here.

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From: Wynne campaign

With grassroots support, Wynne surpasses 1,000 donors

TORONTO - Fresh from a 21-community bus tour of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne has surpassed more than 1,000 individual contributions – the highest figure of any campaign.

“Kathleen is connecting with Ontarians from one end of this province to the other.  She’s built grassroots support among those who want their government back to work on day one,” said Campaign Co-Chair Deb Matthews. “Her supporters are giving what they can to help the leader who represents their values.”

Matthews detailed Kathleen Wynne’s grassroots support:
 
• Most donors: 1,049

• Lowest average donation of any campaign: $489

• Total contributions: $511,893

• Donations $100 and under: 573

• Most new members: 8,000+

“This weekend, the Ontario Liberal Party will elect a new leader, and a new Premier,” said Matthews. “The breadth and grassroots nature of Kathleen’s support shows her ability to represent every part of this province, and to reach out to those young and old, in big cities and small communities.”

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