Loading....
x
robin kuniski/metro calgary
Not discouraged by a long history of Conservative victories in Calgary West, independent candidate Kirk Schmidt kicked off his campaign Sunday.
Kirk Schmidt knows he’s facing an entirely uphill climb.
Running as an independent in Calgary West against Conservative incumbent Rob Anders, who has won the riding in four consecutive elections and in 2006, by more than 24,000 votes, Schmidt said even in a Tory hotbed, there seems to be some appetite for change.
“In the talks I’ve had with community members, there are quite a few people out there who have some reservations, some concerns about the incumbent,” Schmidt said.
Fiscally conservative, socially progressive, Schmidt’s been preparing for this election since the final ballot was counted in 2006 trying to build broad base of support.
The biggest thing has been ensuring people that I’m not just throwing my name on a ballot,” he said. “I’ve taken a leave of absence from work, I’m taking this seriously and it has just been a matter of getting that across to people.”
University of Calgary political scientist David Stewart said independents have a nearly impossible task as local voters often consider the national picture where a vote for an independent translates into opting out of government.
“In a minority situation, a very tight minority, the role of an independent could be much more important, but in a majority, there’s really nothing, they’re vote is unnecessary,” he said.
more local stories
Site created to help child abuse victims testify in court
A new government-funded website designed to help prepare abused children to testify in court was launched by the province yesterday.
Baring all for Mission
It wasn’t until her seventh decade of life that Joyce Young decided to pose for topless pictures.
Schools suggest tuition cap lift
The current post-secondary tuition cap could be lifted if schools propose necessary tuition hikes.
Questions swirl around YouTube video
Calgary Transit peace officers may have been “set up” after a video of an incident involving an altercation was posted to You Tube, according to an official.
Bus driver charged
A Calgary school bus driver has been charged with traffic offences including driving carelessly after a collision last week that sent 36 children to hospital with minor injuries.
editor's picks
Nearly a third of the members of Parliament are on Twitter bandwagon
OTTAWA - Members of Parliament are scrambling to climb aboard the Twitter bandwagon - and getting elbowed by controversial, satirical and even phoney postings.
U.S. volunteers strive to save Santa letter service after Postal Service puts it on ice
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A group of volunteer Santa Claus "elves" in Alaska's frigid interior is determined to save a popular holiday letter service featuring the North Pole's most beloved icon.
Egypt, Algeria in a growing diplomatic row caused by their bitter soccer rivalry
CAIRO, Egypt - Egypt on Thursday recalled its ambassador to Algeria for consultations as part of a growing diplomatic row caused by a bitter soccer rivalry between the two Arab nations that has sparked violence among fans.
EU heads into new era with unknowns named to new president, foreign policy jobs
BRUSSELS - The EU says it has solved an old problem for Washington.
Finance minister proposes code of conduct for credit-and debit-card companies
OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is proposing a voluntary code of conduct for credit-and debit-card companies that he says will "level the playing field" for consumers and small businesses alike.
Copyright 2001-2009, Free Daily News Group Inc.