Christy Clark's narrow victory sows the seeds of trouble for the B.C. Liberals

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      It will never be called a landslide, but Christy Clark did enough to win the B.C. Liberal leadership race.

      However, problems around the vote could make things tougher for Clark in the future.

      Yesterday, second-place finisher Kevin Falcon said many party members were frustrated because they didn't get personal-identification numbers in time for the vote.

      Because Canada Post didn't get the ID numbers to possibly thousands of members Clark's victory is somewhat tainted. The B.C. Liberals have reported that 62.4 percent of members voted.

      Clark offered an olive branch to Falcon in her speech following the results.

      "First, my thanks to Kevin Falcon," Clark said. "Kevin, we have known each other for 25 years or something. I have always admired you."

      Falcon was supported by 11 cabinet ministers and by many people who run large businesses in the province.

      If Clark runs into trouble in the polls, some of those cabinet ministers and big business owners might get a little restless.

      Another politician who won a party leadership without the support of big business and the cabinet, former premier Bill Vander Zalm, said during the campaign that Clark will face dissension after winning the race.

      Vander Zalm didn't last long enough in office to run for reelection after running into trouble over the sale of his property, Fantasy Gardens, to a Taiwanese businessman who was also interested in obtaining a provincial licence to operate a trust company.

      Comments

      16 Comments

      Ken Lawson

      Feb 26, 2011 at 7:27pm

      You may see some Liberals switch over to the BC Conservative Party, the NDP may not be a factor in the next Election at all.

      Taxpayers R Us

      Feb 26, 2011 at 7:43pm

      Glad it's Christy, the others are rank and file corporation-first members.

      The NDP has zero chance right now, same with the Cons.

      Divorce sucks

      Feb 26, 2011 at 7:44pm

      Families first, eh? When your parents get divorced you need your parents more than ever. Poor Hamish. He needs his Mom and now she's going to have less time with him. What a shame.

      The vote should have been extended for several days. This delayed mail stinks real bad, sort of like all things political. Tainted victory for sure.

      Clark should have thanked all the radio listeners since it's likely many of her ideas came from them. Where will she get her ideas from now?

      During the press scrum she already looked weary from questions. Take a deep breath Christy you've only just begun.

      Inside leadership votes should only be allowed for a sitting MLA. General elections should allow anyone to run. Christy should not have been allowed to run because she wasn't even in the current government. Politics really is odd.

      Not left or right but forward

      Feb 26, 2011 at 7:44pm

      Even more trouble for the BC NDP. As the most centris and populist candidate that will be more difficult to smear, it will be increasingly difficult for the NDP to take gov't role.

      best of the worst

      Feb 26, 2011 at 8:14pm

      At least Christy doen't slither like f-cooner and doesn't have all the baggage of the subway fast ferry fiasco on Cambie Street. Glad she won but if we limited the Premier's job to engineers, doctors and lawyers, politics in this province wouldn't be so National Enquirerish and embarassing.

      seth

      Feb 26, 2011 at 8:21pm

      It's obvious isn't it?

      A buncha not so Liberals will switch over to the Cons and with the BCLiberals split, John Horgan and the NDP will whip their butts.

      Best of all possible outcomes for the people of BC, if Clark sticks to her promise to call an election ASAP ie in the next six months.

      Having a federal Liberal in the premiers chair, would be a big help in sending the ultra religious BC branch of Brimstone Harper's fascista packing in the spring
      seth

      TheMan

      Feb 26, 2011 at 9:00pm

      This article stinks of NDP propaganda. You guys can't even tie your shoes, nevermind run the province.

      Anders Young

      Feb 26, 2011 at 10:17pm

      Not the most intelligent premier by far.
      She ATTENDED SFU, Universite de la Sorbonne, but never completed them.
      Empty empty empty

      e.a.f.

      Feb 26, 2011 at 10:29pm

      well we certainly won't be having an enquiry into B.C. Rail now, will we?
      We can only hope she looses when she runs for her seat in the legislature and they move on.
      She is the least able of the candidates to do the job. This is not a radio show you can turn off.

      RC

      Feb 26, 2011 at 11:03pm

      This election should have only been about who is the best cadidate to keep the NDP out. It's not Christy or Kevin, it was George. Hopefully the party won't split and give the NDP the majority at the next election. If that happens, get your house for sale now because this province is doomed.