Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
No he wouldn't.
The Liberal party will never govern in Alberta again. Not under that banner. Rebuild/rebrand a centrist party under Dinning and you have a shot, but not as the Liberal Party of Alberta.
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Alberta politics is a little weird. Generally, it's a one-party system with a weak opposition, but there can be huge shifts in the balance of power. And I think most people understand that the
Alberta Liberals in
2009 have nothing to do with the
Federal Liberals in
1980.
My point is this: I don't think you're wrong, exactly. I personally do favour a re-branding and a new centrist party. If Dinning headed it up, I might even join. But the Conservative hold on the reins of power isn't as safe as you might think. Consider that in 1967 the Conservatives held only six seats in the legislature. Six--to the Social Credit party's 55.
In 1971 the Conservatives were in power with a 49-25 majority, and they've been in power since. The dominant party in Alberta doesn't change very often; but when it does, it does it in a hurry.
There are two things that should worry conservatives. One is Stelmach. The other is vote-splitting, though that's a related issue, with the Wild Rose Alliance. However, until the Liberals have a different leader it's kind of a moot point.