Christine Elliot’s hoping to do something her late husband never was able to do – lead the Ontario PCs.

Elliot has become the first official contender to succeed Tim Hudak.

Former Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who died in April, was also provincial finance minister and deputy premier.

He lost the party leadership to Ernie Eves in 2002 and to John Tory two years later.

Flaherty became an MP in 2006.

His wife, Christine, won his former provincial seat in a by-election.

Elliot lost the Ontario Tory leadership race in 2009 to Hudak, who announced he was stepping down after losing the recent provincial election.

At this morning’s announcement, Elliot explained what was behind her decision to choose running provincially and not possibly seek her late husband’s seat.

”There’s no question I did have an opportunity to think about running federally, but my heart is in provincial politics.  That’s the reason why I ran in the first place.  Those are the issues that matter to me and I want to be here with my team to rebuild our great party.”

Other potential party leader contenders include Lisa MacLeod, Vic Fedeli and Monte McNaughton.

Hudak’s stepping down as leader when the legislature returns July 2nd.