The fiery leader of a powerful local of the Canadian Auto Workers in Windsor is among the three leading contenders to replace the union’s retiring national president Buzz Hargrove next year.
Ken Lewenza, 53, has dodged questions about interest in the top job for months. But union insiders say if Lewenza decides to take the leap, Hargrove and the CAW’s top leadership groups would endorse him.
That would give Lewenza a major advantage over two other potential candidates, Hemi Mitic and Jerry Dias, two of Hargrove’s assistants.
Insiders say the CAW has other possible candidates including Hargrove assistant Carol Phillips, former assistant Peggy Nash, currently an MP, and Peter Kennedy, an assistant to national secretary treasurer Jim O’Neil.
