Alberta 2012

[Holmes]

I got 76% NDP, 68% Lib, 50% PC, 42% WR. *shrug*

[Holmes]

I got 76% NDP, 68% Lib, 50% PC, 42% WR. *shrug*

Weird, I thought you were more moderate than me!

Maybe not on the issues of the day in Alberta.

[Holmes]

Whoa Danielle Smith is actually kind of hot. It's too bad she has to lead such a horrid party.

Just read the "Policy and identity" section of their Wikipedia article; so they're pretty much American Republicans? Hopefully similar parties can do better and win across Canada.

Alberta's the only province that this can really happen in, and not because of Wildrose politics; it's just fatigue towards the PCs. There's no real alternatives in Alberta other than the Wildrose, as opposed to other provinces. Look at BC, the emergence of a new(ish) right wing party, the BC Conservatives, totally threw a wrench in the BC Libs re-election chances (not that they weren't gonna lose before they were a threat though) and lost two by-elections the other night because of it.

[Holmes]

This can be potentially interesting. I care more about how it'll influence federal politics than the actual results, though. I would say hardly. Switching Harper's PCs for another right-wing party, lead by a federal Conservative. Who cares?

[Holmes]

She must be stopped.

[Holmes]

Two for Red Deer-North, and Alberta Party leads with two votes. Hehe.

[Holmes]

Perhaps Smith won't get her gouvernment. Or maybe she will. It won't be a strong one if these results hold.

[Holmes]

Calm down.

[Holmes]

How can all the polls be wrong?

Really?

[Holmes]

The election's over.  The PC's just passed a majority.

Okay, I know that's just seats led, but I thought I'd have some fun.

No seats have been called.

I'll be interesting to see tomorrow, especially in Edmonton and to some extent Calgary, how/if the NDP and Liberal vote went down to benefit the PCs. I suspect strategic voting.

[Holmes]

Massive strategic voting. Will this mean a more left-leaning PC government, or will they move right from the scare?

It would be safe for them to be "more left-leaning" after this, especially with Redford. Doesn't mean they'll do it, but I wouldn't expect a rightward shift.

[Holmes]

I just don't see the NDP winning Lethbridge-West.

[Holmes]

Any chance the NDP can pick up enough seats from the PC to put the WRP over the top?

No...

[Holmes]

This and Manitoba last year had the most shocking results (not in terms of popular vote for Manitoba, but seat count). Maybe Newfoundland too with the rise of the NDP, but that was expected.