Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta leadership election, 2009
Encyclopedia
The 2009 leadership election for the Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta
began on June 6, 2009, when leader Paul Hinman
officially announced his resignation as leader of the party.
Three candidates declared their candidacy for the position: Danielle Smith, Jeff Willerton and Mark Dyrholm.Smith was chosen as leader on October 17, in Edmonton.
(PGIB). He is also a chiropractor.
is an Alberta journalist, broadcaster, business lobbyist and property rights advocate. Until recently she was the Alberta Director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business
. In May 2009 Smith announced her intention to seek the party's leadership. She was named one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2004.
. He is the author of the book, FIX CANADA or Lose It. A perennial candidate in provincial elections, Jeff has run five times against the Tories since 1997.
At a leadership forum in Calgary on September 16, Willerton announced that he is stepping out of the leadership race and will be supporting Mark Dyrholm.
There were 97 spoiled ballots. Turnout was 71.5%
Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta
The Wildrose Party, formerly Wildrose Alliance Party, is a conservative provincial political party in Alberta, Canada. It includes free market conservative, libertarian and socially conservative factions and was formed in 2008 following a merger of the Wildrose Party of Alberta and the Alberta...
began on June 6, 2009, when leader Paul Hinman
Paul Hinman
Paul Hinman is a provincial politician and small business entrepreneur from Alberta, Canada. He was formerly the leader of the Wildrose Alliance. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 2004 to 2008 representing the electoral district of Cardston-Taber-Warner...
officially announced his resignation as leader of the party.
Announcement
In April 2009, Hinman announced his intention to resign at the party's annual general meeting, held June 6. Hinman remained as interim leader of the party until the selection of the next leader in October.Three candidates declared their candidacy for the position: Danielle Smith, Jeff Willerton and Mark Dyrholm.Smith was chosen as leader on October 17, in Edmonton.
Mark Dyrholm
Mark Dyrholm is the National Vice President for the Progressive Group for Independent BusinessProgressive Group for Independent Business
The Progressive Group for Independent Business is a membership-funded right-wing business group in Canada founded in 1992 with the goal of promoting "less government, lower taxes and political accountability" in Canada. The PGIB claims to have a membership of roughly 6500...
(PGIB). He is also a chiropractor.
Danielle Smith
Danielle SmithDanielle Smith
Danielle Molles Smith is one of five martial artists who developed the women's self-defense system known as "Model Mugging" and is the current head teacher dojo cho of Aikido of Monterey in California."...
is an Alberta journalist, broadcaster, business lobbyist and property rights advocate. Until recently she was the Alberta Director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is an alliance of independent small and medium-sized businesses in Canada, formed in 1971. Its current president is Catherine Swift.-External links:*...
. In May 2009 Smith announced her intention to seek the party's leadership. She was named one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2004.
Jeff Willerton
Jeff Willerton is an author and entrepreneur. He formerly served his country for eight years, and worked for three years with the Canadian Taxpayers FederationCanadian Taxpayers Federation
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a Canadian federally incorporated, non-profit organization and taxpayers union that claims to have over 70,000 supporters across Canada. The organization advocates lower taxes, and a reduction of what it considers to be waste in government...
. He is the author of the book, FIX CANADA or Lose It. A perennial candidate in provincial elections, Jeff has run five times against the Tories since 1997.
At a leadership forum in Calgary on September 16, Willerton announced that he is stepping out of the leadership race and will be supporting Mark Dyrholm.
Results
On October 17, 2009 Danielle Smith was chosen as the leader of the Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta.| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Danielle Smith | 6,295 | 76.77 |
| Mark Dyrholm | 1,905 | 23.23 |
| Total | 8,200 | 100 |
There were 97 spoiled ballots. Turnout was 71.5%