Calgary Centre race heats up
Posted Jul 30, 2012 12:43 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Six potential Conservative candidates have now stated their intentions to join the race in hopes of replacing outgoing MP Lee Richardson.
Mount Royal Political Scientist Duane Bratt says he’s not surprised given Calgary Centre is a fairly safe riding.
Candidates include former journalist Joan Crockatt, Stefan Spargo, Rick Billington, Jon Lord, Jordan Katz and the Prime Minister’s former Quebec advisor Joe Soares.
Last week former Alderman Jon Mar pulled out of the race saying his young family didn’t support the idea anymore.
Bratt admits the amount of candidates does complicate the nomination process.
Crockatt had been the front runner and he adds it’s difficult to tell if any of the late additions will change the race.
“Stefan Spargo, Joe Soares, Rick Billington…..these are all people with deep roots inside the party,” he says.
Bratt says Michelle Rempel’s nomination is a clear example of someone who had connections to handily win her seat.
Anyone who wishes to run must have their official papers handed in by Thursday.
Political analysts expect the party will hold off the nomination until the fall.
