Billed as one of the leading political groups, the Democratic Party would probably have expected a more enthusiastic response when it announced that its chairman, Lee Wing-tat, would run for chief executive.
The fact that it received, at best, only a lukewarm response speaks volumes about the complex sentiments among the general public.
Opinion polls show an across-the-board rise in the popularity ratings of the government and principal officials following the resignation of Tung Chee-hwa.
The administration's assessment is that the findings clearly show the problems of governance were largely down to Mr Tung's lack of popularity.
Thus, the prospect of acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen running for the top post has received strong public support. Opinion polls show Mr Tsang with a big lead over other potential contenders.
Aside from Mr Tsang's impeccable public administration background and expertise, the public's aspirations for a change have made him the best choice.