Today, I continue my series on PC leadership candidates with one of the serious contenders, Lyle Oberg. Thanks to Hatrock for the South Park pictures.



Lying Lyle Oberg

Lyle’s Platform. He’s promising massive tax cuts, paid for by slowing the increase in health spending.

In 30 words or less: Long time Cabinet Minister who was never really liked by his colleagues. Told his riding to dump Ralph and got fired for it. Think Peter MacKay in a few years.

Lyle on Emissions: With the exception of one or two throw-away words about new technologies, Oberg doesn’t touch the oilsands emissions except to say that Eastern Canadians don’t understand climate change.

Campaign Sales Pitch: “Oberg is not wishy-washy. He’s not afraid of detail. He’s an ideas guy, but it’s not big-picture, bland-sandwich with the meat to follow. The meat’s there. And the lettuce, tomato and mayo.” (ed note: what about the pickle? or mustard? or bacon?)

Lyle’s Backers: Lorne Taylor is the lone MLA backing Oberg. He does, however have the endorsement of Dexter Durfey – I have no clue who this guy is but I just love that name. UPDATE – It appears Lorne may have lost his one MLA endorser.

Can He Win? He’s polling well. I’m not sure if these are “Dryden polls” or not, but it would be surprising if he didn’t make it to the top 3 run-off vote.

If He Loses: “If I were the premier, I wouldn’t want me sitting as a backbencher … I know where all the skeletons are.”

My Take: An Oberg win is probably the best case scenario for Alberta Liberals. He’s not as scary as Morton but his victory would trigger serious internal PC feuding. As for Lyle himself, I have less than favourable memories of his time as Education Minister but I will give him credit on having a very well organized campaign.