If he should be convicted, I shall be able to bear that too." There were to be six or seven candidates, of whom two, of course, would be chosen.

It would be much to Cicero "to run," as our phrase goes, with the one who among his competitors would be the most likely to succeed.
Catiline, in spite of his then notorious character--in the teeth of the evils of his government in Africa--was, from his birth, his connections, and from his ability, supposed to have the best chance.

It was open to Cicero to defend Catiline as he had defended Fonteius, and we know from his own words that he thought of doing so.

But he did not; nor did Cicero join himself with Catiline in the canvassing.

It is probable that the nature of Catiline's character and intentions were now becoming clearer from day to day.