[killer_carlson]

I agree she could have handled it better, but I don't agree that her views do not align with the WRP. It isn't that simple. You cannot describe WR supporters (or former WR supporters) without splitting the group into two categories: Fiscally conservative, socially moderate vs social conservatives whose fiscal preferences were all over the place.

There were a tonne of WR supporters - the majority in my experience - whose views were fiscally conservative, socially moderate (Much like Smith). The minority were social conservative and fiscally all over the map. Their primary focus was social conservatism, with all other issues secondary.

However, this social conservative minority are very passionate and with that vote tainted every person associated with the party. The social moderates left the party in droves. A few are left, but not many (at least in Edmonton that I am aware of).

So it may be the case that Smith's views no longer mesh with what is left of the WR, but for the longest time her views did mesh with the majority of the WR. A passionate, well funded, organized minority drove the best opposition party the province has seen in decades off a cliff.