Proportionately Alberta

My first reaction is to cry in my bountiful beer. I only increased my Calgary-Fort Green vote from 5.7% in 2004 to 5.9% in 2008. And I came in last. Although I have exceeded my own success criteria, it still feels a little shallow.

But then I think, the Conservatives beat the drums and forced out the voters who only know how to vote Conservative. I think the Liberals did badly. I think the NDP declined overall by 1 (proportional representation) seat. The WAP lost their only seat. I think the Greens are the only party that improved their overall situation: more votes, more second place finishes, higher percent of votes.

The Conservatives won but the Greens came in second in terms of expectations.

Here in Calgary-Fort, Julie, of the NDP, did great for an NDP’r. She achieved 14.25% of the vote – doubled! Yet, the NDP vote was down overall. Her one year campaign and money expended in that effort did pay off, I guess.

So the Conservatives won big. They went from a minority government (if we had proportional representation) to a majority government. The NDP went down to seven seats, and the Greens increased from 3 to 4 seats. The Liberals went down from 24 to 21 seats. Ironically, the WAP would have six seats! Too bad they do not like proportional representation.

It is all moot, as the Conservatives have a majority government no matter how one spells it.

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Recommend to those in the know.