The Wildrose Alliance Party continues to pick up support from interesting quarters.
Danielle Smith, a well-known political commentator, long-time Tory and now recently-resigned director of provincial affairs for the Alberta arm of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, is considering running for the leadership of the upstart political movement.
Smith told political blogger Stephen Taylor today that she has been approached to replace outgoing Leader Paul Hinman, who announced his resignation last week. She described the opportunity as "very enticing." Smith would no doubt add a young, hip, urban element to the fledgling party. Despite her ties to the Progressive Conservative Party, which has ruled Alberta since 1971, she doesn't expect change to come from within. Based on Alberta's history, she added, reform will come from a new party that is strong enough to topple a dynasty. She said she doesn't expect that trend to change.
Party president Jeff Callaway said he has also heard other names of respectable folk who could make a fall leadership race interesting. A party name change is also on the table. It holds its annual meeting in Calgary in June.
In other opposition party news, the Liberals have decided to hold onto the Grit name.
During the party's annual meeting over the weekend, Leader David Swann said dumping the Liberal brand was no longer on the table. Talk of change was causing too much division in the party.
