Project Alberta

First Lady · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:15 pm

Quote:

Merging parties court Manning

Former Reform leader cool to political return

Jason Fekete and Don Braid
Calgary Herald
Sunday, January 13, 2008

The man set to lead the merged Wildrose Alliance party says there's a better person to unite the right and champion the fight -- Preston Manning.

Alberta Alliance Leader Paul Hinman, who's slated to head the new right-wing option if his members accept the merger with the fledgling Wildrose Party, told the Herald he would happily step aside if Manning wanted the crown.

While Manning said Saturday he's not currently interested in leading the Wildrose Alliance, Hinman is scheduled to meet the Reform party founder in Calgary later this week -- prior to the unification vote -- and will try to convince him to lead the party into an expected March election.

"It would be fantastic if Preston Manning were the leader," Hinman said. "He would light a fire under this province. I think the Wildrose Alliance would win the election." Hinman, his party's lone MLA, said he discussed with Manning a year ago the prospect of bringing the political icon into the Alliance fold in some degree. Manning's response, however, was there needed to be more members and more money in the party.

The Alliance leader suggested there's still not enough cash or grassroots support to generate the "critical mass" needed, but he expects the former Reform party leader's involvement would change that.

http://www.canada.com:80/calgaryherald/ ... 216fc11315

Jerry Fortin · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:27 pm

Another Social Credit government?

Knave · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:35 pm

Quote:

The Alliance leader suggested there's still not enough cash or grassroots support to generate the "critical mass" needed, but he expects the former Reform party leader's involvement would change that.

All the more reason why Mr. Manning should say no.

I mean, his involvement would give a large measure of credibility and a higher profile to the Wildrose Alliance Party... but what would be his assurance that, once the ball (and donations) started rolling, that he wouldn't be turfed aside in favour of someone younger and "fresher."

He's already been there, done that.

Jerry Fortin · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:43 pm

I don't think he would be much different than the herd of past Premiers. We need something different here, I don't see it anywhere, so my support will go to the individual not the party in the next election. I hope an independent candidate shows up on the ballot.

First Lady · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:44 pm

Knave wrote:

All the more reason why Mr. Manning should say no.

I mean, his involvement would give a large measure of credibility and a higher profile to the Wildrose Alliance Party... but what would be his assurance that, once the ball (and donations) started rolling, that he wouldn't be turfed aside in favour of someone younger and "fresher."

He's already been there, done that.

The.... ball (and donations) already started rolling in; without him.

He would be a very welcome addition; as would many other "like minded" high profile people. It would increase the speed of that "ball".

By younger and fresher are you referring the Morton?

Knave · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:49 pm

First Lady wrote:

The.... ball (and donations) already started rolling in; without him.

He would be a very welcome addition; as would many other "like minded" high profile people. It would increase the speed of that "ball".

By younger and fresher are you referring the Morton?

I'm referring to anyone who can maybe rise to prominance on a wave of hype; also known as the "Stockwell Maneuver." I'm sure there's plenty of people in this province who could pull that off.

But, Mr. Manning has got his own think-tank and fellowship with the Fraser Institute to keep him busy; he doesn't need to be some other political group's meal ticket, especially since he hasn't been involved at its formulative stages.

Jerry Fortin · Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:49 pm

I hope you folks get lots of money! You will need it to beat on the Tories! Best of luck Jane!

First Lady · Sun Jan 13, 2008 2:00 pm

Commonwealth wrote:

I hope you folks get lots of money! You will need it to beat on the Tories! Best of luck Jane!

We will need a lot of things. Money, members, volunteers, quality candidates and ultimately votes.

The first four are coming in strong.... :mrgreen:

...the votes will follow....

Jerry Fortin · Sun Jan 13, 2008 2:02 pm

Good for you folks! ANYTHING is better than the Tory government of Alberta.

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