April 23 2012: Alberta Provincial Election

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Knalus

I don't think we need to worry about this. With the state of the industry today, we've increased the volume of Natural Gas production so high, it is practically unprofitable to drill for it here, much less in a basin with such weak infrastructure. If they did produce it in this environment, they wouldn't make much money off of it anyways.

I don't think anyone is drilling wells to produce natural gas right now, because that would absolutely be unprofitable. Some companies are drilling wells with gas targets to keep land from expiring or for the associated liquids, but dry gas for productions sake I very much doubt.

[kn]

Originally Posted by Jacks

Preston Manning weighs in on the election, he's not really very kind to the PC's.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion...559/story.html

I have tremendous respect for the man. It was a different time and a lot has changed but Alberta voted over 50% Reform in both 1993 and 1998 and I think there's still a current of those supporters in this province.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

I don't think anyone is drilling wells to produce natural gas right now, because that would absolutely be unprofitable. Some companies are drilling wells with gas targets to keep land from expiring or for the associated liquids, but dry gas for productions sake I very much doubt.

I am drilling two with my company right now. We are barely making a profit, but we still are.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Knalus

I am drilling two with my company right now. We are barely making a profit, but we still are.

You're drilling dry gas wells on land that's not expiring? Interesting.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

You're drilling dry gas wells on land that's not expiring? Interesting.

Yup. But our budget was slashed drastically. That's why I have the time to post here whilst mapping.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

There goes that evil, liberal elite east-coast media...endoring the Wildrose.

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/...medium=twitter

The sarcasm would be far less stupid if it was any paper other than the National Post, which is an unapologetically Conservative paper.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I don't think I'd call the National Post unapolegitically conservative, not when you have the Sun, which I wouldn't even call unapolegetically conservative, more of a conservative cheerleader. Either way newspapers are always more conservative because they are mostly owned by large conglomorates, who enjoy things like low taxes that conservative candidates tend to promote.

[Handsome B. Wonderful]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

Either way newspapers are always more conservative because they are mostly owned by large conglomorates, who enjoy things like low taxes that conservative candidates tend to promote.

Like that conservative rag the Toronto Star!

[c.t.ner]

ThinkHQ Poll information released.

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loc...ub=CalgaryHome

According to the ThinkHQ survey, voter's impressions of the Wildrose are getting worse. "Look at the momentum numbers just from last week there is a very sharp decline for the Wildrose they are now on negative territory," said Marc Henry of ThinkHQ.

The Tories have actually inched up in support but are also still striking a negative tone with voters.

Overall, the Wildrose remains out front across Alberta with 41 percent support which is an eight point lead over the PCs. (33%)

Interesting information out of ThinkHQ.

[c.t.ner]

And in other earth shocking news, it sounds like the Globe and Mail have endorsed the PCs. (It's not as blatant, but it sounds like an endorsement from the editorial board)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle2408209/

[Makarov]

Originally Posted by c.t.ner

And in other earth shocking news, it sounds like the Globe and Mail have endorsed the PCs. (It's not as blatant, but it sounds like an endorsement from the editorial board)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle2408209/

Definitely fair to characterize that as an endorsement, in my view.

Also, those poll numbers are interesting. WRP lost support of 10% of decided voters in Calgary in 9 days (within the margin of error of course).

[kn]

The CBC Leader Forum in Edmonton for those who missed it.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/albert...ers-forum.html

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by Knalus

Oilsands royalties are now considerably higher, and are a big boost to government coffers now, true. But we didn't need them to achieve our current prosperity, even if they are a key to our future. We benefited more from the economic activity rather than the royalties.

Until recently Alberta made more off gambling than off the oil sands royalties I'm not sure which side of this equation pisses me off more. Of course other governments also do the gambling thing, not singling Alberta out.

[Resolute 14]

[Jacks]

I don't know if I would call it a "Very sharp decline in support".

With the exception of the one Leger poll the WR have been between 39%-46% the entire campaign. How 41% is suddenly some sort of plunge in popularity is not clear to me. I would expect they would lose a point or two with the idiot foot in mouth candidates. Mar being back in the papers and the PC's breaking the promise to disclose campaign donations could have a similar (small) effect. If anything I think this poll, and the other recent ones, have shown that the voter intention is pretty stable. The Calgary numbers look to have changed a bit but the margin of error is fairly high. The undecided's could swing this thing at the last minute but these polls aren't showing that.

Unless I'm really missing something here?

[kn]

I've been polled by phone a handful of times now and never answer honestly, switching my choice each time, so how can we trust any of these polls?

[SeeBass]

Originally Posted by kn

I've been polled by phone a handful of times now and never answer honestly, switching my choice each time, so how can we trust any of these polls?

Why wouldn't you answer truthfully. I might be kidding myself but I see answering a poll as a barometer of the public opinion.

I have been answering "I don't know" in the hopes to see when the bidding/vote-buying ends up at.

[Jacks]

I never respond to polls but if I did I'd probably say I'm voting NDP just to get their hopes up.

[Slava]

Well I've spent a lot of time arguing with people in this thread, but in case you haven't heard enough of my political views you can hear me on QR77 tomorrow. I'll be part of a panel called the "average Joe" panel from 3-4pm. Basically myself and some others will discuss the election and issues. I think it will be fun, although I'd be lying to say that I'm not a little nervous!

Anyway, listen in and see what you think. I'll try not to make an ass of myself!

[Senator Clay Davis]

Have a couple shots before the interview and I'm sure you'll be fine.