WHILE potential Labor leadership contenders were keeping their powder dry on Sunday, the contest looks like coming down to Bill Shorten or Anthony Albanese.
Their undeclared rivalry may be complicated by state jealousies, with sources close to Mr Albanese saying it's time the leadership went back to New South Wales.
As Labor started contemplating at least three years in opposition, Mr Shorten said he was "genuinely undecided" about standing for the leadership.
The Victorian right-wing power broker who's held several senior portfolios said he'd have to consult his family.
He was also concerned that the process be informed by past lessons - "no rancour, no external discussions, no divisions".
That remark was seen to suggest he'd be happier standing unopposed, especially as a recent rule change gives caucus and the party's grass roots an equal say in a leadership ballot. A difference of opinion between the two would be a fertile source of new divisions.
Mr Albanese, the NSW left winger who became acting leader when Kevin Rudd stepped down on Saturday night, wouldn't say if he was contemplating nominating.
"What I will do is take up the fight, that is what I do," added the former government leader in the house, a position that gave him daily opportunities for fighting.
The sources said he was "genuinely thinking" about running, adding that given the performance of the last two leaders, from Queensland and Victoria, it was time the post came back to NSW, where Labor's performance was not as bad as feared.
The pair, appearing on different television shows, exchanged compliments.
Mr Albanese said Mr Shorten would make a good Labor leader, though he also mentioned outgoing treasurer Chris Bowen, immigration minister Tony Burke and health minister Tanya Plibersek.
Mr Shorten said his potential rival was a remarkable politician.
Trade Minister Richard Marles weighed in, saying Mr Albanese had been a wonderful servant of the party, but Labor needed to move to a new generation.
He said Mr Shorten, at 46 only four years younger than Mr Albanese, would be very good. He also praised Treasurer Chris Bowen, 40.
Bruce Hawker, Mr Rudd's political strategist, called for fresh leadership and nominated Jason Clare, 41, and Tanya Plibersek, 43, as the "face of the future".
Peter Beattie, the former Queensland premier who was unsuccessfully parachuted into a Coalition-held marginal seat, endorsed Mr Shorten as the right man to help rebuild Labor.
Climate Change Minister and South Australian left leader Mark Butler said it was too soon to say who should take up the reins.
There are seven MPs with significant ministerial experience and some claim to leadership consideration who are aged between 40 and 50. But there are no stand-out contenders.
They are, disproportionately, from NSW and male.
Senator Penny Wong wouldn't be drawn on leadership speculation, saying she would discuss that in private with her Labor colleagues.
She wants Labor to remain committed to dealing with climate change.
"Climate change hasn't gone away just because Tony Abbott got elected," she told the ABC.
"Any party focused on the future has to have a proper climate change policy. The government that has been elected doesn't. As the opposition we should retain our principle position on this."
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