Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
I just think that both fixed election dates and Proportional Representation are far more important to provide democracy than recall will ever be. You guys say pretty bluntly that its never going to be used and basically gives the illusion of usefulness...so why bother? Basically its a populist media stunt.
I do find it funny that the WRA would pursue this however, but byelections which are completely democratic (and where recall ends up!) are "too expensive".
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Is there evidence that a by-election is even necessary, however? If this passes, there certainly would become a mechanism to force a by election if the electorate demanded so (and wouldn't that be ironic?). But aside from that Janice lady in Airdrie-Chestermere (who apparently worked on Anderson's Tory election campaign) and the Edmonton Journal working propaganda for the Tories, there hasn't exactly been much in the way of outcry.
Anyway...
Alberta Liberals spinning their wheels, while a Grit MLA says the defections are good for democracy
Guy Boutiller expects more defections and predicts the WRA could become the opposition. Meanwhile, Ted Morton expects that the right wing split will win the Liberals a lot of ridings next time around.
Rob Anderson has a major axe to grind.
Personally, I think Boutiller overestimates the number of defections that will occur. A couple more, maybe, depending on how Stelmach reorganizes his caucus, but I can't see seven more MLAs jumping to get the party past the Liberals.