Amery tries to retain seat
Early results showed Calgary East Tory MLA Moe Amery narrowly ahead of Wildrose contender Jasbir (Jesse) Minhas in the workingclass riding.
Despite being a member of the controversial “no-meet committee” that dogged the Progressive Conservatives during much of the campaign, Amery and his team were confident the final results would see him heading back to the provincial legislature for a sixth straight term.
“We expected a tough fight,” said campaign manager Rob Mackenzie, “but at the end night we will be victorious.”
Minhas, a real estate consultant, had predicted Amery’s pledge to pay back the $39,000 he earned while on the committee wouldn’t be enough to save his political skin.
But as the poll results poured in and the margin widened, his campaign-manager John Hilton-O’ brien conceded victory was unlikely.
“It looks like Moe might hold on by the skin of his teeth,” Hilton-O’brien said.
Outside a polling station at Belfast School, voters spoke emotionally about why they voted for Wildrose after decades of consistently marking their ballot for the PC candidate.
“I wanted to send a message that I’m tired of the corruption,” said Del Underhill, a 68-yearold construction worker.
“I really wanted to shake the PCS up,” said Kim Stamp, a housewife who was counting on the Wildrose to make it easier to see her family doctor.
A scrutineer said when the 500-plus votes were counted at the school after the polls closed, Amery had a margin of just 20 votes over Minhas.
During a break from last minute door-knocking earlier in the day, the 58-year-old Amery said he saw a radical change in the response he’s received on the doorsteps of this working class riding during the last few days that will prevent him from being overwhelmed by a Wildrose wave.
“I’ve seen the tide shift,” said Amery, “and people are saying now they want the experience and stability that only me and my party can offer.”
The 19-year veteran defeated Liberal Bill Harvey by over 2,000 votes four years ago. This time, the Liberals were represented by 20-something Ali Abdulbaki, a relative unknown whose Facebook page lists him as a fan of Jersey Shore. Robyn Luff, a teacher, represented the NDP.