Prof. Stewart Prest on MLA Elenore Sturko’s defection to BC Conservatives
Professor Stewart Prest explains that Elenore Sturko is running in Surrey-Coverdale because her current seat, Surrey South, already has a Conservative candidate. The ridings share similar demographics, meaning similar campaign messaging can be used.
Prof. Gerald Baier suggests campaign strategies for the B.C. United
Professor Gerald Baier suggests that “its time to play to their strengths which is going to be the quality of some of those local candidates” given the recent defections from B.C. United to the B.C. Conservatives.
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on the “explosive momentum” of the B.C. Conservatives
Professor Gerald Baier explains that the defection of well-known B.C. United MLA Elenore Sturko to the Conservatives may help moderate accusations of extremism the Conservatives could face during the election and help attract centrist voters.
Prof. Stewart Prest explains why the B.C. Conservatives rejected the non-competition agreement
Professor Stewart Prest says the possibility of the B.C. Conservatives “finishing close second in the polls” means they have little to gain from an election deal compared to the B.C. United.
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on the B.C. Conservatives recent popularity
Professor Gerald Baier says the trend of the B.C. Conservatives owning the centre right continues proving the trend is not just a blip.
Prof. Gerald Baier discusses the grassroots Conservative movement in B.C.
Professor Gerald Baier explains that the Conservative Party of B.C. benefits from sharing their name with the Conservative Party of Canada, which is surging in national and regional popularity.
Prof. Stewart Prest on NDP’s vulnerability during the spring session
Professor Stewart Prest explains that the B.C. NDP spent the spring session playing defence and many of their “bold proclamations” have not had time to make an impact.
Prof. Stewart Prest comments on why Coquitlam’s mayor was rumoured to be leader of a B.C. United and Conservative merger
Professor Stewart Prest says Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West’s popularity stems from his ability to operate in an “open space” and not be restricted by a political party. This appeals to voters tired of “polarized rhetorical debate.”
Prof. Stewart Prest says a merger between B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives is unlikely
Professor Stewart Prest says a formal merger between the B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives would be difficult as each party has tried to “occupy quite distinct spaces on the political spectrum,” but informal co-operation may make competing with the NDP easier.
Prof. Gerald Baier explains the potential merger of B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives
Professor Gerald Baier says that it is “a well-known historical fact that the centre-right can’t win as two parties in B.C.”