"What caught my attention about David Swann's letter, however, was not the invitation itself, but rather the use of the word "progressive." It caught my attention because, these days, everyone seems to be using the word, but no one ever provides a definition of it. The Alberta Party had a significant part of its roots in the Reboot Alberta and Renew Alberta movements, both of which espoused a new type of politics for progressive Albertans. The New Democrats have often referred to themselves as the only progressive party in the legislature. The governing party has the word progressive in its name, and even Danielle Smith and the Wildrose Alliance have, on occasion, referred to their policies as progressive."

Ken Chapman comments on Ted Morton as the potential leader of the PCs back in 2006 is quoted in Ken Libin's piece on if the party could position him once again as a potential leadership candidate given the popularity of the Wildrose Alliance.

Ken Chapman, a prominent PC strategist, at the time said, “I think he’s an extremist and I think he’s a radical” who fits “all the stereotypes of the Bible belt, redneck, retrograde, American Republican.”

"Forget the brand names. What the left/centre in this province needs is fresh leadership -- someone to rival the wattage of Danielle Smith, someone with passion and fresh ideas who can inspire people across party lines, including disillusioned Tories. Neither low-key Swann, truculent Mason nor invisible Erickson is that leader.

Swann is taking a brave but dangerous political gamble. He wants to unite the left but runs the risk of splitting his own party and compromising his own authority. Perhaps that's the sacrifice he's willing to make -- to immolate his leadership, and even his party, in the hope that something new and better will arise from the ashes." Read the full Edmonton Journal article by Paula Simons here.

 

 

 

"...the Liberals are mailing their plea directly to party members on the left and centre left, including the Alberta Party executive, all former Green party candidates, all NDP riding presidents and former candidates and members of Reboot Alberta.

The idea to co-operate with other parties created a controversy at the Liberal party's annual general meeting in May. The motion passed, but a number of members expressed anger with the result, and at least one constituency president resigned in protest." Read the full Arche McLean Edmonton Journal article here.

 

 

 

 

"Ken Chapman, who has helped organize progressive Albertans in an organization called Reboot Alberta, said Swann is on the right track, but the overtures won't work if it's a Liberal plan to submerge other parties.

He said the province needs fresh thinking that none of the established political parties is offering."

Read the full Archie McLean article here.