I think there are many people in various regions within the country who see the CPC as "the party that the Reform/Alliance turned into" instead of "the old Tory party".
I traditionally supported the PC party, thought Mulroney was great for the country and all that, however I have a difficult time supporting the CPCs. I can only think it's because of Reform/Alliance. I felt reform/alliance was not speaking to me as what I'll pigeonhole myself as a "moderate conservative" and having seen that side of what makes up the CPC it makes me pause and my support of the CPC waivers.
On the flip side I cannot support a Liberal Party with a dufus as a leader. Out of the options Harper is the only clear leader, albeit one that comes across as a bit of an android (in a sweater vest). If the Liberals pick a dynamic leader who can speak both languages clearly and put together a platform that makes sense and has a true vision I can't see them not gaining a lot of support that has eroded over the past few years.
That doesn't mean things will change in Alberta, we'll always be part of "Jesusland" and will always predominately vote Conservative here.
EDIT: I seem to have repeated/supported what MarchHare says above.
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