Quote:
Originally Posted by ungodlycrosscheck
As you've described it, any "move", consumated or not, would be a significant political development that could foreshadow a merger of Canada's political left.
|
And here's where it'll ultimately fall apart: the Liberals are a centrist party, so there's really no left to merge.
What little I've read suggests that all four federal parties are, at present, planning to run a candidate in Calgary Centre. The single candidate idea mainly seems to be coming out of the NDP camp, and is more of a "vote for the official opposition if you don't want a Conservative" than an actual organized multi-party endeavour. Not to say that can't change, but with Mulcair seeming to be as keen to demolish the Liberals as Harper, a formally coordinated effort doesn't seem likely to me. Regardless, I sadly don't see much chance of anything but a Conservative win in Calgary-Centre. Much of the indignation directed towards the Conservatives is coming from those who already didn't support them, and I don't think it'll erode support enough to open the door for an upset, even if only a single opposition candidate runs.
As a theoretical exercise though, if only one party were to appear on the ballot, which makes the most sense? The NDP has the benefit of being the official opposition, but are generally perceived as too far left for the "average" Albertan to support. The Liberals have been the runner-up in the riding in the last four elections, but continue to carry NEP baggage that prevents some people from voting for them under any circumstances. The Green Party has had some strong showings recently, but are often dismissed as a one-trick pony by many voters. Who would have the most legitimate chance?
Threaded Mode