Everybody’s favorite second choice Premier Stelmach today announced that he will not be running in the next election, he felt that he could not fulfill another term as Premier.
Surprised? No, in this province we call Alberta the home of the one party state. There as finally risen a second party from within the ranks of the right wing itself. The Wildrose party led by Danielle Smith, it is becoming quickly what the true conservatives in the province see as a viable alternative. The people that have a vested interest in seeing the Conservatives remain in power, understood a year back that Stelmach is not the leader that’s going to win the next election. Then the final nail in the coffin was the Hospital Emergency waiting time issue with MLA Sherman. The premier was left with a choice take himself out of the equation, or wait until it was too late as Ralph did.
So who takes his place? Who will save the Conservatives Bacon, can it be saved?. A leader from within the party, the most likely name Ted Morton, still probably seen by most people as part of the conservative right wing, Horner, Hancock, Liepert, Danyluk all good conservative foot soldiers, but not Premier material. In addition probably seen by the voters as part of the Stelmach legacy.
You really need a candidate from out side the party, the profile would include obviously a conservative, not too right wing more to the moderate side of the party, somebody with lots of experience, highly respected in both Alberta and Ottawa, especially if Alberta boy Harper wins the next election. Most importantly somebody that can bring the Conservative party back to its roots, and as the charisma and the appeal to take on Danielle Smith.
Who has all of those attributes? Who can ensure that the PC’s do not meet the same fate has the Social Credit party of 40 years ago?
Jim Prentice, his suddenly resignation from federal politics three months ago, he carries tremendous respect in Ottawa, he is an Albertan born and bred, he is considered a moderate within the conservative ranks. He would also have the charisma to take on Danielle Smith and the other parties leadership.
I would be interested to hear a better choice.
1 comment:
There was some speculation last night on Global Calgary that the Conservative party is courting the Wild Rose to join them. This would allow Danielle to run as leader of the party. If she didn't win that, but won in her riding, she would be assured of an important cabinet position.
The Conservatives want the Wild Rose so that there is no vote splitting during the next election. They want a continued majority.
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