Quote:
Originally Posted by crazy_eoj
If you seriously can't distinguish the difference in policies between Klein vs Redford then you've got a large issue understanding government.
The Wildrose Party was a protest party based on the PC's totally abandoning fiscally conservative principles. They were the first real opposition voice in Alberta in decades, mainly because the PC policy book had become nearly identical to the Liberal Party.
I think the fact we know Alison Redford won the leadership of the PC's on the back of the Alberta Teachers Association says all we need to know about her 'true conservative' leadership. She attracted many left wing votes, which was her goal all along. I believe you even voted for her?
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THIS.
There is a difference between Conservatives and conservatives. Redford was a Conservative in name only and most in her party knew she was not representative of conservatism.
The PC's had a huge problem after Klein with respect to memberships. $5.00 gave you a vote in the PC leadership campaign. Many found this to be a far more effective way of establishing left-of-center leaders. Stelmach and Redford benefitted from this greatly.
In Stelmach's case, he ran against Jim Dinning and Ted Morton, both conservatives in different forms. Ed was able to capture the rural vote as well as those liberal Conservatives.
Redford was the same. A liberal in Conservative clothing who received minimal support from caucus members as opposed to the conservative, Gary Mar. Redford squeeked as mentioned.
Since the Redford debacle, the PC's have changed their membership process.