Seven MLAs make up the Liberal opposition in the N.B. Legislature but the MLA from Kent County, Shawn Graham, has been getting more than his share of attention because he wants to be the boss, the party leader.

Shawn Graham has developed a reputation as an outspoken MLA. He started earning that reputation shortly after he was sworn in when he was expelled from the legislature for his remarks.

He was seen as brash, energetic and, some would argue, immature. But now, as the 34 year old MLA pursues the Liberal leadership, he's working hard to cultivate a different image, one of a more mature, more thoughtful, and less excitable politician.

He could have learned those lessons from his father, Alan Graham, a 31 year veteran of the New Brunswick Liberal Party and one of Frank McKenna's cabinet members.

Shawn Graham's family connection to the party his given him an undeniable advantage.

Shawn Graham looking for support in Woodstock

Kent South was his father's riding for 30 years. His legacy and influence helped recruit delegates to the Graham campaign.

"He worked hard up until the organizational point, when the delegate selection meetings were done. It came down a little battle in each riding, is what it came down to, trying to get the elections, the people out to vote. The next election is going to be a big test. It's going to be two young individuals, the premier at his age and me at my age, battling it out to show New Brunswickers who can do a better job. I'm in this race to win the leadership, all signs point to that."

On campaign trips, the first thing Shawn Graham does when he gets to the microphone is promote his legislative experience, something his opponent, Jack MacDougall, lacks.

Click here for profile on Jack MacDougall

Shawn Graham stresses his legislative experience

But Graham is short on experience, too, so when he sits down with key people in his campaign, his image is on the agenda.

He has two university degrees, has worked for his dad and was elected MLA three years ago. He acknowledges his thin resume may be a problem for voters.

"I worked in the private sector, actually when I was going to university, I worked a part time job just to pay my way through university. Upon finishing my first degree, I went to work in the public service, had an opportunity to work with my father. I've done a number of things, but because of my age I wish I could have done more but I've done as much as I possibly can."

If he wins, what kind of a leader would Shawn Graham be? How does he see the world?

"My philosophy is, I believe in a balanced budget and I believe that we can't mortgage today for the next future. But at the same time, there are a number of social programs that can be brought into place to help. So, I'm more to the left of the political spectrum, but I'm centre of left, not to the extreme left and I'm definitely not to the extreme right, but at the same time socialism means a lot to me."

Where does Graham sit on some of the big issues of the day? He says he's against privatizing NB Power and he hedges on the question of bringing back tolls on the new highway.

"We've got to find the best mechanism to make sure that road building still remains a high priority. Are there options that can be investigated and discussed to see if we can tap into that out of province truck traffic? We'll not leave any of those avenues uninvestigated."

At the convention this weekend, many believe Shawn Graham will have an easy win over his rival. The hard part will come when the new party leader tries to become the new premier of New Brunswick.