www.ChrisLaBossiere.com

In two weeks the PC Association of Alberta will be having their Annual General Meeting in Red Deer. Interestingly, Red Deer is stuck between two cities with uniquely different identities. Not unlike the PC's who are stuck in much of the same situation. Feeling pressure from the right of the political spectrum from the Wildrose, a new progressive movement from the centre and the threat of a combined left with the Democratic Renewal Project. They are wise to start to think of themselves as the party of the centre-right instead of obsessing over the right exclusively. But they are wiser to start PROMOTING themselves as something to be excited to be involved with.

Promoting yourself in politics does NOT mean bashing your competition. That has been the domain of the Liberals and NDP, and it simply doesn't work. Promoting a party means promoting their vision. Of course we don't vote for vision as much as we vote for the leader who will be able to execute that vision. And as Shakespeare has so eloquently written, "ay, there's the rub".

As a voting delegate at the convention, I will question the leadership of the Party like everyone else. I have blogged before about how I would like to see more visionary leadership from the party, and I am still very concerned in this area. I will go with an open mind, as should all delegates, but it's time to start to get me excited about leadership. Right now the only alternative seems to be Ed Stelmach or Ted Morton. Who are the other leaders of the party that can bring together the right/centre? Maybe its Stelmach, but as a party should we be thinking about a new generation of leader? An exciting personality that can align the masses and launch a sustained offense? Does that person exist in Government today, or will this be an opportunity for a new-comer like Brett Wilson?

Here's hoping the discussion is robust, exciting and provides some direction for the Party.

Also, as I have mentioned before, I hope to promote this discussion on Twitter and I am promoting the use of #stelmach09 and #pcagm as hashtags to be added to your tweets. I also plan to be live-blogging from convention at www.LiveGov.ca. If you would like to participate by being a Moderator that day as well, let me know.