Chandler/Sullivan: Time to Complete the Coalition

Leigh,

I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you.

I really appreciated our phone call today and it is good to know that we can work together to get Danielle Smith elected.

There is so much that we have in common and now that the battle is over for leader, it is time that all of us focus on the real enemy and we know that is Ed Stelmach and his Progressives.

Our support for Danielle Smith is genuine and I know that her willingness to work with us is also very real. Her willingness to work together is very evident in her News Conference today that can be seen at http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/Danielle+Smith+Presser/2120939/story.html

I am sincerely looking forward to working together in a party that balances and respects the social conservative, fiscal conservative and Libertarian. I believe together we can make a dramatic difference and become the government of Alberta.

Craig B. Chandler



____________________________________________________________________________


Craig,

Our chat was most enjoyable. After such an intense campaign it was good to have a no-pressure, relaxing conversation away from the front lines.

I’m sure you’ll agree that the shear intensity of the just-completed battle for the leadership of the Wildrose Alliance made for some memorable clashes in the New Media between members of the contending camps and supporters of each candidate.

Much was vibrant, intelligent debate about policy between party members.

However as you are aware, as the campaign grew bigger and moved closer to the deadline there was a marked increase in negativity. A ‘the gloves are off’ mentality seemed to afflict individuals on both sides of the fence, each comment inching a little closer to the gone-too-far line than the last.

Rumour has it that even you and I had our moments…

In some circles this continues to occur. Comments posted online that make some wonder if they have a place in the party work to benefit no one. Just as with the race itself, the time for division has now past.

Craig, in the spirit of our conversation and subsequent letter, I’d like to fulfill a pledge I made to you at the beginning of the campaign and extend my hand in solidarity.

I know we both share the belief that a blend of social conservative and libertarian ideologies, while requiring a healthy amount of negotiation, discussion, and compromise, will ultimately result in the creation of traditional Albertan policies which follow traditional Albertan values.

This is just one of many issues that bind our coalition together.

When Mark Dyrholm won the Class Act of the Year award with his concession to Danielle Smith, a real feeling of unity and rejuvenation filled the room.

Now is the time to ‘complete the coalition’ by unifying behind our new leader and, in the spirit of our shared Albertan values, work side-by-side to save Alberta from the Stelmach Progressive Conservatives.

I hope that all party members, regardless of where they sit on the political spectrum, follow our lead and close ranks.

We have a unique opportunity before us. I believe we both recognize this, and I look forward to working with you and all members of the Wildrose Alliance as we end 40 years of P.C. rule in Alberta.

Leigh Patrick Sullivan
http://www.themoderateseparatist.com/ Sphere: Related Content