Who wants Judy Foote's seat? A former Tory and some of her protgs hedge their bets

Newfoundland member of Parliament Judy Foote leaves more than just a solid legacy of public service when she officially walks away from politics next month.

Her unmatched success at the polls in the 2015 federal election, which saw her receive 82 per cent of the vote in the riding ofBonavista-Burin-Trinity, sets up an interesting dynamic as her potential successors test the waters.

• 'My time will be their time': Judy Foote resigns from federal cabinet, to leave as MP in September

The toughest challenge for those wanting to fill her seat in the House of Commons?

Likely winning the Liberal nomination when Prime Minister Justin Trudeaueventually calls a byelection.

So who might want the job?

That's something few wanted to talk about Thursday as Foote announced her resignation as the minister of public services and procurement, and her upcoming retirement from the political life she has led for 20 years.

But all the signs point to a hotly contested Liberal nomination race.

"I think today is about Judy and we cantalk tomorrow,"Burin-Grand Bank MHA Carole Anne Haley answered when asked if she will challenge for the nomination.

She didn't say no. She didn't say yes.

Neither did Placentia West-Bellevue MHA Mark Browne.

"There's going to be lots of time to talk about tomorrow, but today we're honouring decades of legacy of Judy Foote and she has left a tremendous mark on politics in this province."

Haley and Browne areboth protgs of Judy Foote, and have strong connections to Foote's riding.

"I'm an MHA because of her help and support," said Browne.

"She's been an excellent mentor to me," added Haley.

Various other names are being floated as a potential successor to Foote, including provincial education minister and Burin Peninsula native Dale Kirby.

But how about a former PC cabinet minister?

Yes. Darin King, who served as the Tory MHA for Grand Bank for a decade until 2015,says his phone has been ringing, and he isn't ruling out switching party allegiance.

"When you've been there and have the bug, it never really leaves you, so obviously if there is an opportunity now then I'll take some time to give it some consideration," said King.

• Former PC cabinet minister Darin King trades in politics for trades council