Dinning is the perceived front-runner, but I think a lot of that has to do with name-recognition as he was provincial secretary under Klien in the early years.
Lyle Oberg is quite popular in the rural areas from what I understand, especially on the east side of the province, as he hails from Brooks.
Mark Norris and Ed Stelmach are probably next in line of current, or perceived support - just because they have good campaign teams.
Hancock, McPherson, and Doerkson are running just for giggles - no real hope of winning.
And Alana DeLong is running the obligatory "Alberta Needs a Female Premier, so Vote for Me Because I Have Ovaries" campagin. Barf.
But, I would say look for Ted Morton to be the dark horse...the other candidates hate him, because he is certainly the most right-wing - but he could garner support from the grass-roots, especially if it turns into an "Anyone But Dinning" campaign.
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