Former cabinet minister Jim Prentice to seek Alberta PC leadership

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by SebC

That's a tough strategy to execute, because if you showcase the party, you risk another "Lake of Fire".

You do, but against a stronger leader, it is a risk Wildrose would have to take. There's going to be a lot of commentary about a fresh coat of paint over a tired old party. But Prentice is the best choice for the Tories. We'll see if the party is smart enough to accept that without another divisive leadership battle.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by kevman

I always assumed he had higher federal ambitions and was distancing himself to make a run at the Conservative leadership in a few years.

The federal Conservative brand is also losing a lot of its lustre. He's basically got to choose between two sinking ships.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by SebC

The federal Conservative brand is also losing a lot of its lustre. He's basically got to choose between two sinking ships.

Thats the time you get on onboard if you want to take a run at it Federally. Treadeau will eventually sink the liberal ship the same way Harper has sunk the Tory ship and within 10 years the Tories will be back in power. So if you want to be Prime Minister the Conservative Party is a far better place to be than the Liberal Party.

[kevman]

Originally Posted by SebC

The federal Conservative brand is also losing a lot of its lustre. He's basically got to choose between two sinking ships.

That's why he distanced himself.

Jump ship before it sinks and let the Liberals have there token term(s). In a few years rejoin the conservatives, take a run at the leadership and have an opportunity to be PM in ~2025...

[Senator Clay Davis]

Originally Posted by SebC

The federal Conservative brand is also losing a lot of its lustre. He's basically got to choose between two sinking ships.

And if he can turn around the Alberta PCs then it will certainly be a nice thing to have on the resume should he choose to pursue the CPC leadership one day. I do think it's bad for the Wildrose if only because it forces them to shift strategies. Going hard on the attack against Jim Prentice will be much more difficult than the wholely unlikeable Alison Redford.

Plus he can run on the slogan "I'm not in it for the money".

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by GGG

Thats the time you get on onboard if you want to take a run at it Federally. Treadeau will eventually sink the liberal ship the same way Harper has sunk the Tory ship and within 10 years the Tories will be back in power. So if you want to be Prime Minister the Conservative Party is a far better place to be than the Liberal Party.

But that's the thing, if your aspirations are power (as it's clearly not the money), why would you wait ten to fifteen years on the off chance that it might happen. I agree there are life cycles of parties and power in ten-fifteen years the Conservatives maybe very well be on the verge of power again, but there's no guarantee that Prentice would fit in with that version of the Party. Today's Conservatives are far different breed of conservatives than 90s.

Prentice taking over the PCs is a super smart move on his part. He's a well liked guy across the spectrum and will go to a party desperate for direction, plus he gets a chance to instantly in still his vision to one of the biggest provinces in the country. He gets to play the clean slate card and pretty much implement any direction he feels like. As the white knight in shinning armour riding into save the day, the party and caucus aren't going to go into open revolt against him with an election less than two years away.

For Prentice this is a win-win-win.

[CaptainCrunch]

If Prentice wins there has to be a pretty significant cabinet shuffle, to avoid the painting of the turd attack.

Especially in the area of finance, and possibly law.

He just can't have the same leadership group going into a provincial election.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

If Prentice wins there has to be a pretty significant cabinet shuffle, to avoid the painting of the turd attack.

Especially in the area of finance, and possibly law.

He just can't have the same leadership group going into a provincial election.

You would figure he'd be given carte blanche to pretty much run the party as he sees fit. He's not a dumb man politically, he knows there has to be some significant changes if only for appearances sake. Just swapping him for Redford and not changing anything else would be pretty idiotic.

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by kevman

Condolences to his political career - touching the PC party is toxic!

I always assumed he had higher federal ambitions and was distancing himself to make a run at the Conservative leadership in a few years.

This assumes Stephen Harper is planning on going somewhere soon. I think he tries to go through the next election.

Prentice is not that young and one only has so many chances to lead something. He clearly saw this as a better shot for him. The challenge for Prentice, who will be welcomed as savior, is that for him to actually save the party, he'll have to makes big changes that will be very difficult to its establishment.

[RedHot25]

Looks like our old friend Ric McIver is going to make a run for it...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...tion-1.2634273

Calgary Progressive Conservative MLA Ric McIver resigned from cabinet Tuesday sparking speculation he will run for the leadership of the party.

[Resolute 14]

That is utterly non-surprising.

But Prentice and McIver are both in to win. Could lead to some decent fireworks in the campaign.

[Ironhorse]

So what are the chances of Prentice and McIver splitting the top vote, and the third stringer (if there is one) coming up the middle to take the win? It's not like we haven't seen that happen before...

[Resolute 14]

IIRC, they changed the voting procedure after the last disaster. Not sure in what way, or how effective it would be though.

But holy crap would that ever be amazing. And not just speaking as a supporter of Wildrose - but as a fan of chaos in general.

[Kjesse]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

That is utterly non-surprising.

But Prentice and McIver are both in to win. Could lead to some decent fireworks in the campaign.

I agree. This makes it not just a race, but a philosophical fight. Prentice on the left, McIver on the right, and by degrees but maybe even down to minutes. Hughes should just drop out if he really cares about the party and not his own ambitions.

Who will the party choose to go up against Smith? Either one outclasses her IMHO, but they first have to wrestle with internal demons. I like Smith but when you consider her history she has inferior credentials to these two.

I think Prentice is more impressive out of the gate, and while I supported Nenshi heavily over McIver in the mayor race, I think this might be a job well suited to McIver. While I support(ed) someone like Nenshi for the mayor's race and didn't like McIver for it, I considered that the municipality does not have taxing power. Put Nenshi in and.... look.... he's pushing hard for taxing power.

I digress. A McIver - Prentice race is exciting and could turn their parties' fortunes around.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

IIRC, they changed the voting procedure after the last disaster. Not sure in what way, or how effective it would be though.

Pretty sure only the top two go to the second round of voting. The process can still be jihaded by non-PCs though.

[killer_carlson]

I still think Lukazuk runs as well.

[Resolute 14]

I would possibly buy a PC membership simply to vote against Lukazuk if he ran.

[Resolute 14]

Hughes drops out, endorses Prentice. As do other cabinet ministers. Has Prentice even formally announced he is running yet?

And sorry Rik, looks like you're an island unto yourself.

[LanceUppercut]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I would possibly buy a PC membership simply to vote against Lukazuk if he ran.

If you wanted to destroy the PC party, you would buy a membership TO vote for Lukazuk. I for one might consider that option.

[MoneyGuy]

I already don't like McIver. Heard him in CHED Saturday and he kept repeating himself. Kept coming back to a point that his supporters will not get government appointments. Seriously, he said it several times in 20 minutes.

Q: Mr. McIver, what's your view on such and such?

A: (Insert reasonably worded answer her) but I'll mention that anyone who supports me will not get an appointment.

Yes, we heard you the first five times.