Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership election, 2007

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The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick will hold a leadership election, following the resignation of Bernard Lord, on December 13, 2006. The Conservatives last had a leadership election in 1997.

The PC Party is a fiscally conservative and otherwise moderate political party in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is, with the New Brunswick Liberal Association, one of two parties that contend for power in the province and controlled the covernment from winning the 1999 election until losing the 2006 election.

On January 5, 2007, it was reported that interim leader Jeannot Volpé would not allow the contest to begin until after the first session of the 56th New Brunswick Legislative Assembly closes in June, therefore the race will likely not be decided until late 2007 or possibly into 2008.^[1]

Contents 1 Potential candidates 1.1 Non candidates 2 Timeline 3 Notes

[edit] Potential candidates

Several media sources reported on December 14, 2006 that the following were considering a possible candidacy.

• David Alward, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 2003-2006. Mentioned as a "less likely" potential candidate from caucus^[2].

• Keith Ashfield, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 2003-2006. Mentioned as a "less likely" potential candidate from caucus^[3].

• Margaret-Ann Blaney, former leadership candidate in 1997, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 1999-2006. Promoted as a potential candidate by former party president Lisa Keenan^[4].

• Jody Carr, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 2006. His youth is listed as an asset, the Telegraph Journal reported Carr claims an intermediate French speaking ability while the Moncton Times reported his lack of bilingualism was a drawback^[5]. CBC News reported that he was the only potential candidate indicating a serious look at a Leadership bid and said he would discuss the possibilty with his wife^[6].

• Madeleine Dubé, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 2003-2006. Mentioned as a "less likely" potential candidate from caucus^[7].

• Bruce Fitch, MLA since 2003, in cabinet 2003-2006. His lack of bilingualism cited as a problem^[8].

• Brad Green, MLA from 1998-2006, in cabinet 1999-2006^[9].

• Trevor Holder, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 2005-2006. His youth listed as an asset while his lack of bilingualism cited as a problem^[10]. CBC News reported that Holder's candidacy was being promoted by former party president Lisa Keenan and was supported by the PC riding president in Fundy-River Valley^[11].

• Kirk MacDonald, MLA since 1999, in cabinet 2006^[12].

• Percy Mockler, MLA from 1982-1987 and again since 1994, in cabinet 1999-2006. Mentioned as a "less likely" candidate from caucus^[13].

• Elvy Robichaud, MLA from 1994-2006, in cabinet 1999-2006^[14].

• Claude Williams, MLA since 2001, in cabinet 2006. Mentioned as a "less likely" potential candidate from caucus^[15].

[edit] Non candidates

• Paul Robichaud, though cited as a potential bilingual caucus contender in some sources,^[16] the Telegraph-Journal reported that he was the first caucus member to rule out a run.^[17]

• Jeannot Volpé was elected as interim leader on December 19, 2006 and indicated he will not seek the leadership on a permanent basis. [4]

[edit] Timeline

• September 18, 2006 - The Progressive Conservatives fail in their bid to win a third term in government despite winning the popular vote in a close election.
• December 12, 2006 - An opinion poll released by Corporate Research Associates show that the PCs now trail the Liberals by a margin of 65% to 27% while Lord trails Premier Shawn Graham 48% to 23% in leadership preferences.
• December 13, 2006 - Lord announces his resignation as leader and his Moncton East seat in the legislature both effective January 31, 2007.
• December 19, 2006 - The party selects Jeannot Volpé as interim leader until the convention, he will assume this role upon Lord's formal leaving of office in January. [5]

[edit] Notes