The Conservatives may have a stranglehold on Alberta but Steve Patten, a political science instructor at the University of Alberta, says the New Democrats could surprise a few people in the riding of Edmonton-Strathcona.
“It’s one of two constituencies in Alberta where the result is still up in the air,” Patten said.
“It really depends on whether or not Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have a smooth and strong campaign and whether or not Jack Layton can attract voters.”
In the last election back in 2006 New Democrat Linda Duncan lost to the incumbent, Conservative Rahim Jaffer, by less than 5,000 votes.
“Linda Duncan is somebody who has the potential to be an important actor on the political stage,” Patten said.
“But it’s what Stephen Harper, Jack Layton and Stéphane Dion are doing that’s really going to make the big difference.”
Rahim Jaffer has held the riding for the past four terms, beginning as a Reform candidate in 1997. Jane Thrall will represent the Green Party and Claudette Roy will carry the Liberal banner.
Patten believes that the Edmonton-Strathcona riding will be a two horse race but it will come down to which leader runs a better campaign.
“If Stephen Harper continues to run a campaign as smooth as it has been and Canadians are willing to endorse him again, then Rahim Jaffer is probably safe,” he said.
“But if there are any bumps in the road between now and election day, and Jack Layton continues to run a fairly strong campaign and Dion continues to run a campaign, that isn’t working as effectively as the Liberals would want, then it will be even closer then last time around.”
