Message Sent!

  ( It's not bad with butter and salt....)

  Well folks, the people of Calgary Glenmore have spoken...and the people are never wrong.  However, this blogger was way off the mark on his prediction, although I was a bit biased!  I had the opportunity to work with Diane CU and her team on her campaign and I must congratulate her for a job well done.  Diane's campaign was well organized, well funded and her team was amazing.  That said, it goes to show you that a full bank account, dozens of organized volunteers and exceptional name recognition do not guarantee success on election night. 

  I must say, I am impressed that Paul Hinman won this race.   Congratulations on your victory ( and now that he is an MLA, I will no longer use the "corny" references!)  and your team should be proud.  The slogan "Send Ed a Message" hit a nerve with many voters and it was better than having 500 volunteers on the ground. It was just that powerful. 

  What now? 

 This victory has the potential to change Alberta's political landscape.  The common thoughts from the MSM that if " Diane can lose...any PC MLA candidate can lose in Calgary" may now have some real meaning?  Perhaps some of the local MLA's, especially those with lower profiles, maybe be pondering this today?  Its one thing to lose a by-election on a protest vote, but to finish in third place is quite another. 

 Will this result in a leadership review at the PC Convention later this fall?  Will this be a wake up call to the PC party, confirming that no riding can be taken for granted?  Time will tell. 

 The WAP will ride this publicity into their Leadership Race, which will do nothing but legitimize them further.  A loss here would have wiped them out.  The only thing left that will kill their momentum would be a Mark Dyrholm or Jeff Willerton victory. It will be interesting to watch.

What a ride....

Shane

Friday Fun: Final Weekend in Calgary Glenmore race

With the final weekend of the Calgary Glenmore race upon us, everyobody involved will be making their final push to the finish line.  I will be out with Diane today knocking on doors and will continue on over the weekend with whatever needs to be done.

 This will be a close race due to the number of candidates. My prediction.... that the Liberals will not win.


 The future of the WAP rests on the results of this election.  When they lose on Monday, any and all momentem they had going for them will be wiped out.  They will be regulated to the same status as the other fringe party's and will no longer be the media darlings.  When they lose on Monday, the leadership race will not seem so interesting to the remaining WAP members ( or the candidates!).  When they lose Monday, we will not have as much to chat about on the blogs. ( Now...WAP Bloggers..comment here on the reverse situation...)

And most importantly ( the Friday Fun part...):

 When they lose Monday...Taber will get its mascot back.


Good luck to all...it has been a blast!

Cheers!

Calgary Glenmore By-Election date set! Great turnout at Diane Colley-Urquhart's HQ

Finally! The September 14 by-election date for the Calgary Glenmore was announced today! I had the opportunity to attend the press conference at Diane CU's Headquarters this afternoon and it was a spirited affair. Even with less than two hours notice, there were approximately 30-40 supporters and at least a half dozen MLA's in attendance.

Diane gave a great speech and confirmed her commitment to the people of Calgary Glenmore. Jonathan Denis also had some supportive comments and ensured that the supporters realized that every vote will count in this election! I never once got the sense that the party is taking this riding for granted.

Diane's team is very organized, well run and really has the feeling of inclusiveness. There were people from all demographics groups there and they are all passionate supporters.


Well...the hum-drum summer of blogging may be over! Now we have something to talk about!

Shane