The race to replace outgoing Alberta Liberal leader Kevin Taft continues to be a low-key affair as candidates Mo Elsalhy, David Swann, and Dave Taylor continue to slog away towards the December 2008 vote to lead Alberta's Official Opposition.
The candidates received a number of endorsements over the past couple weeks. Swann received a stunning endorsement from retired Lt. General Romeo Dallaire, who said of Swann:
"There are those individuals in a society that not only recognized freely their responsibilities to their fellow humans in need and less fortunate, here and beyond our borders, but there are the exceptional individuals who actually do something concrete about it, including putting their personal resources and health towards that aim. Dr. Swann is one such person and is nothing less than exemplary and a solid citizen of the world. My confidence in him is limitless."Edmonton's Poet Laureate, E.D. Blodgett has endorsed Elsalhy and Taylor has the support of former Calgary-Elbow MLA Craig Cheffins and current Calgary-Buffalo MLA Kent Hehr. Taylor also seems to be relying on support from Federal Liberal organizers -- including his campaign manager, Corey Hogan, who ran Stéphane Dion's leadership campaign in Alberta in 2006. No word yet if Bob Rae will be stumping for Taylor.
If you're interested in hearing more from the candidates, the Alberta Teachers' Association will be hosting a forum on October 3. There will also be a candidates debate on the Sunday of the October 4-5 Alberta Liberal Convention in Edmonton.
I'd love to take credit, but I'm afraid I didn't run Stéphane Dion's campaign in Alberta. That was the tireless Jennifer Spencer. I was the Communications Chair.
ReplyDeleteThrow that as a dig if you must, but a job I was proud to do. There's no ballot in the world that asks somebody to choose between the Alberta Liberals and the Liberal Party of Canada - Dave Taylor is building a big tent where federal Liberals like myself and federal Conservatives like the Campaign Manager for his re-election Barry Davidson can both feel comfortable.
He presents a centrist vision of a fiscally responsible, business friendly, and socially progressive Liberal Party, and I encourage anyone who shares that vision to visit http://www.tayloralberta.ca and get involved.
Corey Hogan
So, is that a yes to Bob Rae?
ReplyDeleteWait a minute...Taylor's campaign manager is a federal Conservative? How can one be a federal Conservative and a provincial Liberal (except in BC)? Seems to me that might cause the types of psychological problems that require professional treatment...
ReplyDeleteThat's a really BIG tent!
And the Federal Liberals are sitting at 12% in Alberta? Talk about great organizers!
ReplyDeleteI always thought Taylor would be more comfortable as a PC. Maybe when the libs don't see his leadership potential maybe he will finally cross the floor
ReplyDeleteIt would probably be a better fit for him. He can then join the ranks of the lazy and the arrogant and enjoy the ride. Isn't that why he wants to be leader - to enjoy the perks and prestige? The guy raises the hair on my back, I can certainly do without him.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of sad here. Unfortunately, I've got a provincial NDP membership. Otherwise I would buy a Liberal one just to vote for Dr. Swann. Maybe I'll get my wife to buy one...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the debate updates. I am going to try to make it out for them.
ReplyDeleteI am supporting David Swann.