Only insiders need apply..It doesn’t actually state that in the fine print on nomination applications filled out by those wanting to run as United Conservative Party (UCP) candidates..But it doesn’t have to. .Efforts by UCP brass to cushion insider MLA incumbents — a.k.a. Premier Jason Kenney’s besties — from challengers who could unseat them are shamelessly blatant..It’s worked in three recent instances where hopefuls were disqualified for what some perceive as flimsy reasons. And their supporters were left feeling like the party isn’t listening to them..UCP leadership candidate Danielle Smith is listening..In fact, a promise Smith made at a rally in Edmonton Monday could go a long way to rebuilding trust and unifying a fractured membership, particularly in the rural ridings..It would convince members that they do all have a say in who is sent to the legislature to represent them..“I will pledge to you as well, if any of the local ridings wants some of those ridings reopened because they don’t believe that they’ve been fair or they believe the candidates have been disqualified inappropriately, we will address that when I’m elected,” said Smith..There’s a lot to address..How do you deal with constituency association boards, who make recommendations on nominations, being stacked with relatives, or replaced with die-hard incumbent friendlies? .The newbie hopefuls might be 'respected somebodies' in their constituencies — decent, qualified, hard-working people with great ideas — with a lot of support..But the so-called party elite spits them out. .They’re no match for that machine that rallies behind and cocoons the sometimes potty-mouthed, hard-drinking, groping, rule-breaking chosen ones who very much want to stay in office. .The more of a threat challengers present to an incumbent, the more intense the vetting process becomes as the machine digs deeper to find something, anything, to sully their reputations..Got nothing much? .The racist thing has proven to work like a charm when wanting to disqualify someone..Popular Vulcan County Councillor Jodie Gateman had a “large track record of extreme and even hateful” social media posts, said Kenney..Gateman wanted to challenge Deputy House Leader Joseph Schow for the nomination in Cardston-Siksika. Disqualified! For one re-post..Popular Eckville cattle rancher Tim Hoven had an old, inactive social media account alleged by the UCP decision-makers to be a platform for white supremacist groups. .Hoven wanted to replace House Leader Jason Nixon in Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre. Disqualified!.Popular Sylvan Lake councillor and business owner Kjeryn Dakin applied to challenge MLA Devin Dreeshen in the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake United Conservative party (UCP) nomination. .A biker, a member of the Soldiers of Odin, was videoed knocking back shotskis in her restaurant in 2017 after she had left to pay the babysitter. Disqualified!.READ MORE Another nomination challenger to UCP insider disqualified.Were these hopefuls really given a fair shot? .Many UCP members who support them — the same ones who gave Kenney an abysmal 51.4% approval of his leadership — believe they weren’t..They are fed up and angry..If the nominations are reopened, perhaps the incumbent MLAs will keep their seats, perhaps not..At least faith in the process would be restored. .If the October 6 leadership election results present Alberta with a Premier Smith, expect the Party Candidate Selection Committee to be very busy..Likewise if October 6 presents Alberta with Premier Brian Jean..Leadership contender Jean has vowed to reopen the nomination process in Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre to give Hoven another chance to seek the party nomination..Smith, who got a standing ovation at Monday night’s 'Unity. Liberty. Autonomy.' event, was introduced by Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie..Guthrie, who hasn’t been at all shy about calling out the shenanigans of Kenney and company, endorsed Smith..And that can only strengthen her campaign..“Now, over the course of the last year, I have been vocal with my opinions on various matters, and I am truly happy to see a new direction led with enthusiasm from our members and constituents,” Guthrie said on a social media post..“Like many, I'm looking for a leader who I feel aligns most with my values, who will best represent Albertans. Someone who is firm in their convictions and isn't afraid to stand by them. A leader who will truly stand up to Ottawa and keep the feds in their own lane. Someone [who] believes in efficient government.”.“Danielle Smith is best suited for that role, and I am happy to lend my support to her campaign. We've been provided with an opportunity for a fresh start. With Danielle's experience and positive mindset, I feel she will be a real difference-maker to inspire change in the party,” he said..Reopening the nomination processes would be one way to inspire real change in the party.
