Next Premier?

[ivbinconned]

I am serious here...tell us what you find about him that is tooo right wing???

Standing up and defending Alberta can not be achived by a compromiser. But a closet liberal calling himself a conservative may give the impression of a peacefull process...beware Alberta you have been poorly defended in the past by wolfs in sheeps clothing.

If you agree with Teds positions on issues...that is where to cast your first vote!

[coppertop]

I am sure that every candidate in the running will stand up and defend Alberta, but there are many issues we can work with the feds on since we got rid of the Liberals in Ottawa. I don't think we need to be at war with them.

My first vote is going to the individual I want to see as the next premier. I am sure the decision will take at least two ballots but I have no intention of wasting mine. And I doubt if Morton will stay in the running until the first ballot which will likely be the end of November.

The most important thing is that everyone who is concerned about the future of the province has, as cowman says, the opportunity to have their say for a $5.00 membership.

[ivbinconned]

Copper, remember Mulrony!

IF Harper gets his majority it will be thanks to Ontario or Quebec...NOT Alberta.

You still have not told us what is so "rightwing" about Ted???

[coppertop]

ivbin, what I consider right wing may not be what you or anyone else views as right wing. The leadership is a very important issue, regardless of who we support we need to ensure we buy a membership and vote. Alberta needs some vision, stability,and consistency in government. At this point in time our Province is awash with resource income, or so it looks to the rest of the country. We have ' no plan' to address the growth, we are exporting raw materials that are bringing us a pittance of what they could if they were refined here, we need consistency in leadership and a statesman at the helm of the Province who is not put there by big corporations. If the PC party chooses Ted Morton I will be very surprised, but stranger things have happened in Alberta politics !!!

[ivbinconned]

Coppertop,forgive for pressing you but these are your words "Ted Morton is way toooo far right to suit me. He is an American by birth,"!

"American", whats that got to do with anything??

I KNOW some may view things different than others, but YOU said it...so explain yourself. WHAT constitutes "tooo far right" in YOUR view????

[coppertop]

I will support a candidate that was born and raised in Alberta if they have the qualities I am looking for.

[ivbinconned]

I give up! Your reluctance to qualify your remarks demonstates a lack of credibility. A fox in the hen house!?

You are really not a "conservative"! But only trying to effect the outcome in an effort to move the province to the left. Away from corporate influence to...I don't know what...labor!!??

Take a good look at Saskatchewan or
B.C. and you will see where that has got us.

There will always be some entity haveing more influence on governance than their numbers warrant...fortunatly Alberta's government has been better than most despite being led by a liberal. Just think where you could have been if a genuine conservative had been at the head.

[coppertop]

Oh, now we see what you are getting at !! I think we need a premier that has a good understanding of all industries in the province, and not one that is a one trick pony !!!

Remember the party elected Ralph Klein and the party members are NOT liberal !!!

As far as saying I have no credibility goes, that's your take. The only person I have to convince about the suitability of each candidate to become leader is myself, I am paying the $5.00 and marking the ballot. If you choose to support Dr. Morton, then that's wonderful, at least you will have paid your money and taken advantage of the opportunity. The main thing to remember is that we as Albertan's don't get the opportunity to choose our Premier very often, so it's important to participate in the process.

[ivbinconned]

"Remember the party elected Ralph Klein and the party members are NOT liberal !!!"

On the contrary, as in the past, I suspect there will be many torys...red ones...trying to effect the outcome!

[coppertop]

I am sure there will be many special interest groups trying very hard to influence the outcome of the leadership vote, however, I think that the average citizens, namely the Martha and Henry's of Alberta will ultimately decide. I hope the process results in a leader that HAS A PLAN for Alberta's growth, has a plan for helping municipalities cope with the huge demands on infrastructure, people services etc., and also has a plan to deal with budget priorities in a fiscally responsible manner vs throwing money around at everything whenever there seems to be a crisis. I hope that the party will get behind the new leader and the MLA's that are now choosing sides will work as one for the good of Albertans.

[grassfarmer]

Why the big concern about the Alberta premier ivbin? I thought you hung out in the backwoods of Saskabush anyway?

[ivbinconned]

Just a great interest in the political process every where. Plus I was Alberta born and now all my kids are are in Alberta. I will try to influence them to all vote for Ted Morton...first round!

[coppertop]

IF he's still in the race by the time the first ballot rolls around !!!! There is a long way to go until the third week of November, and a lot of dollars needed to campaign at the pace necessary between now and then.
Doerksen must have the support of some of the people who would likely have supported Morton, and I can't see either of them getting much momentum going to increase their support significantly.

The Calgary Herald polls showed Oberg and Dinning almost neck and neck, which may be the case around Calgary, but in the south, central and northern part of the province I would suggest the polls would show a different result.

Once the premier's letter of resignation is received by the party then the RACE IS ON, and that will be next week.

Too bad you aren't living in Alberta ivebin, then you could really get involved in what will be a very exciting fall as far as politics goes !!!

[rook]

Does anyone know if it is a preferential ballot or what the process is?

[coppertop]

rook, the party will finalize the details once Klien's letter of resignation arrives.

The format will be one vote per ballot, vs picking first, second choice etc.

It is highly unlikely it will be decided on the first ballot so a second ballot will likely take place a week or two after the first one.

Voting should be at a poll within your constituency, the party is being urged to conside the time of year and have as many polling stations as possible in the rural areas so people aren't faced with driving long distances in what could be imclement weather.

Candidates at the lower end of the results on the first ballot will likely throw their personal support behind one of the two leading candidates.

It's likely only five or six candidates will be on the first ballot, the others will have pledged allegiance to another candidate prior to that time.