Premier faces new problems in endorsing PC candidates
Posted Feb 23, 2015 9:12 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It is an unusual move from the Premier, from within a few Progressive Conservative ridings.
Jim Prentice is coming under fire from some for his decision to endorse a few PC candidates running in hotly contested ridings, including Sandra Jansen, Christine Cusanelli and a few Wildrosers.
Mount Royal Political Scientist Keith Brownsey tells 660News Prentice is running the risk of setting a precedent and alienating some within his own party.
“It’s going to be hard for a lot of Progressive Conservatives to stomach the fact that these Wildrosers, who were very critical of the Progressive Conservatives, that these Wildrosers are now part of the Progressive Conservative apparatus,” said Brownsey.
He believes the candidates in each one of these cases will likely win and be allowed to join far easier, than running in a normal nomination contest.
The Premier’s endorsements come as speculation continues to swirl around the province potentially having a spring election.
A challenger has now also decided to enter the race against former Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith, for the PC nomination of Highwood.
