PC leadership race

[Resolute 14]

Prentice could win Elbow in a by-election, but putting anyone else in PC colours there will lead to a Liberal or Wildrose win. That, obviously, wouldn't predict how the riding would go in 2016 though.

[calgarygeologist]

Looks like changes are beginning to take place as Ken Hughes has announced that he will not be seeking re-election. I find it to be a surprising move because Hughes does not seem to be a black mark or negative member within the PC party. He actually seemed like a leader to me and someone that could help restore the party to former glory.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...tion-1.2763516

[SebC]

For what it's worth, I've heard that the Alberta Party is actually ahead of the Liberals in Calgary Elbow - and the expectation is that Prentice will not be running there.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by SebC

For what it's worth, I've heard that the Alberta Party is actually ahead of the Liberals in Calgary Elbow - and the expectation is that Prentice will not be running there.

Based on what? I have heard from people door knocking that the Alberta Party hasn't been mentioned at all as a party supported. I wouldn't say you could take that to the bank, but I find it easier to believe. I just think that outside of people who really follow politics that no one knows anything about them, and barely anyone knows they exist.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Slava

Based on what?

That was the word at a cooperation-focused meeting of progressives that I attended.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by SebC

That was the word at a cooperation-focused meeting of progressives that I attended.

I think I know that group. I don't know everyone there, but those people are largely very political. Like I say I just think that the average guy has basically never heard of the party and winning a riding with that would be impossible. They could pull it off (campaigns matter), but I highly doubt they're polling over 1-2%, never mind leading anyone.

[Kjesse]

It would seem those whom aren't tainted by scandal see the writing on the wall and are actually making bold moves. Ken Hughes and Dave Hancock both announced they are retiring. How soon this means is anyone's guess but it would seem they're clearing the way for others in a seriese of by-elections to be called.

[SebC]

Yeah, they're going to save the sinking ship by getting off, thus making it lighter.

[Dion]

He told reporters that he hasn't yet submitted his resignation letter but expects the seat will be vacated in time for the byelections expected to take place this fall.

According to Derek Fildebrandt with Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Hancock will get a $714,000 transition allowance. He says that number is based on Hancock's salary and years of service.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmont...ture-1.2764524

[killer_carlson]

If it comes to pass that the PCs have Stephen Mandel run in Hancock's riding, this will be a coup for the PCs. Since I moved here 13 years ago (my God, has it been that long?) I cannot recall a Federal, Provincial or Municipal politician whose popularity in Edmonton would rival Mandel. When he speaks, the people in Edmonton listen.

There is the arena deal which he cut with Katz, but thus far the people here don't seem to mind it. The negative critique will come to pass in the future, but for the foreseeable future - certainly as long as Mandel would have left in politics - the arena deal seems to be a big plus.

If Mandel wins and gets into a high profile cabinet portfolio, and otherwise makes himself visible in Edmonton, that will do wonders to shore up the PC brand in Edmonton. He is also a fierce critic of the wildrose and he'll dampen their chances as well.

Why I think it will work is that Mandel was a pretty outspoken critic of the PCs, and will be able to say that he's in there to facilitate change and get things sorted out.

Tough news for the WR though, in that they have a pretty good candidate and a good volunteer base there. They'd have a shot at a lot of PC replacement candidates, but Mandel will be tough to beat.

[SebC]

Mandel in cabinet might finally turn the PCs into the urbanist party that voting patterns suggest they'd be.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by SebC

Mandel in cabinet might finally turn the PCs into the urbanist party that voting patterns suggest they'd be.

Wouldn't be shocked to see Mandel get some sort of Municipal Affairs portfolio. If you're going to win over the supporters of Iverson and Nenshi, Mandel would be the guy to do it.