That formidable Scottish Labour Organiser and fixer, the late Jimmy Allison, had been charged with drawing up a short leet of candidates that looked beyond the current pool available to choose from. He let me have a look at his first draft of runners and riders.
James Keir Hardie
Good links with the Trade Unions; outward looking internationalist; strong supporter of a Scottish Parliament within the UK, international human rights, women's issues and temperance.
John Wheatley.
Great plans for housing involving developing a partnership between political parties, local authorities and building employees and employers. Aims to build 190,000 new council houses at modest rents, gradually increasing to 450,000.
Tom Johnston
Proposes taking on the Nationalists by devolving power to a Scottish Council of State and a Scottish Council of Industry. He also has bold plans for a North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.
Jennie Lee
Early reputation as a socialist firebrand who refused to compromise, now standing on a platform of promoting public access to Arts and Culture and establishing an Open University, extending Higher Education to all.
Willie Ross
Advocates a Scottish Development Agency as a prototype Scottish Enterprise. Stands on a strong 'No' means 'No' platform. Uncompromising supporter of the Union and 'Hammer of the Nats'
Judith Hart
Would bring a strong international flavour to the post. Fierce opponent of apartheid in South Africa and defender of Allende's regime in Chile, would champion International Development, keeping it high on Labour's agenda.
Maria Fyfe
Led the 50/50 Campaign for gender equality in the Scottish Parliament. Great champion of working class based politics and the women's movement - but would have to rule her out as she is still very much alive.
'And who do you think will win?, I asked. He just smiled.