United Conservative leader’s byelection win sets showdown with Alberta premier
EDMONTON — Political analysts say United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney’s byelection victory fires the starting pistol on an unofficial 16-month election campaign that will be defined by the skills and personalities of party leaders.
“We’re dealing with two political heavyweights going head-to-head,” said Mount Royal political scientist Duane Bratt, referring to Kenney and NDP Premier Rachel Notley.
“We have a full sitting premier going up against a former federal cabinet minister. We haven’t seen that sort of dynamic ever before.
“Instead of having separate press conferences sniping at one another, they’re going to be two sword-lengths away in the legislature.”