Flames broadcaster Millions challenges UCP incumbent for Airdrie nomination

While a number of sitting United Conservative Party MLAs have won their party ’s nomination without a fight, incumbent MLA Angela Pitt is facing a scrap with a high-profile challenger.

Both Pitt, the MLA for Airdrie, and Sportsnet Calgary Flames broadcaster Roger Millions have put their names in for the UCP nomination in the new riding of Airdrie-East.

Pitt, who was first elected as a Wildrose member in 2015, said she doesn’t have a problem with competition for the nomination.

“It’s part of the process, it’s democracy,” she said.

“It wasn’t a surprise to be challenged. I would be surprised if I didn’t have support at the end of the day.”

The vetting process is not yet complete but UCP executive director Janice Harrington said she doesn’t expect either Pitt or Millions to fail to make the cut.

A nomination meeting for Airdrie-East will likely be held between June 20 and 26.

Pitt isn’t the only incumbent UCP MLA facing a nomination battle. MLAs Richard Gotfried in Calgary-Fish Creek, Leela Aheer in Chestermere-Strathmore, Wayne Anderson in Highwood, Rick Strankman in DrumhellerStettler, David Hanson in Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul, Mark Smith in Drayton Valley-Devon and Ron Orr in Lacombe-Ponoka all have challengers for the UCP nod.

Harrington said it’s a positive sign for the new party, which was founded last year by agreement of Wildrose and Progressive Conservative members.

“I think it’s a fantastic thing that people are excited about the opportunity to represent the UCP. And we’re going to have fair and open nominations, and people see that,” she said.

Nominations closed on March 30 for Airdrie-East and three other ridings where sitting MLA are running. With no other candidates entering the race, UCP Leader Jason Kenney was acclaimed in CalgaryLougheed, Mike Ellis in CalgaryWest and Jason Nixon in RimbeyRocky Mountain House- Sundre.

These are the first candidates in place for the UCP ahead of the provincial election slated for spring of 2019.