PC’S Webber ‘elated’ after tough fight
Incumbent Progressive Conservative candidate Len Webber was ecstatic on Monday night when news broke that he would continue to maintain his eightyear hold over the longtime Pc-blue riding of Calgary-Foothills. “I’m elated!” said a glowing Webber, 51, upon hearing the news he had secured the riding. “It’s just awesome.”
His campaign office was crowded with elated supporters gathered around the TV, erupting into cheers with each riding that turned PCblue on the TV.
At about 9:30 p.m. local time, Webber learned he had won the riding, which has been consistently Conservative since 1971, with about 4,900 votes, or just over 54 per cent.
Meanwhile, Wildrose candidate Dustin Nau trailed behind with about 2,900 votes, almost 33 per cent.
Webber was cautiously optimistic as the polling stations closed. During the last election in 2008, Webber just barely squeezed in a win by a mere 1,200 votes against Liberal candidate Mike Robinson.
“That was a tough race as well,” he said. “I don’t take anything for granted in any election.”
Webber, who was born and raised in northwest Calgary, has served in several top cabinet positions as minister of aboriginal relations, minister of international and intergovernmental relations, and as a member of the Treasury Board.
His near decade-long reign was being challenged by political newcomer Nau, candidate for the Wildrose party, who said he was disappointed by the loss.
“Albertans have spoken, and we have to respect the democratic process,” said Nau, who works a psychotherapist.
While he’s not sure yet if he plans on running for the Wildrose party again in the future, he said he fully supports Danielle Smith as the leader of the party.
“I have a deep respect for Danielle, and I stand behind her 100 per cent,” he said.
Also running in the riding was Liberal candidate Kurt Hansen, and Alberta NDP candidate Jennifer Carkner.