Alta. Liberals to push for answers to election day problems
By Mary Jo Laforest, THE CANADIAN PRESS
EDMONTON - Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft says his party will be holding the Conservative government's feet to the fire over problems at the polls on election day.
There were reports on Monday of a lack of polling stations, and confusion over where residents were supposed to vote. Elections Alberta's website was swamped and many people couldn't log on to find out where to vote.
Taft told reporters Wednesday after speaking at the annual leader's dinner that there were "dozens and probably hundreds" of irregularities in Alberta's voting system.
The leader said someone who moved to Alberta from a third-world country told him that the election was far worse here than in her home country.
Taft said he felt "surprisingly good" despite the Liberals being crushed in the election - they ended up with nine seats from 16 at dissolution, while the Tories captured 72 seats.
As for stepping down as leader, Taft said it's not happening - yet.
"There's a spring session coming up, I will lead the Opposition through that absolutely."
But he did say there will be a leadership review in six to eight months and he himself has some soul-searching to do.
"I've loved being the leader of the party for the last four years. I'll have to see if I continue with that opportunity or not."
During his speech to more than 300 people at the $400 a plate dinner, Taft sounded like he was still on the campaign trail.
He talked about what a Liberal government would do about health care.
"This province need to go onto the equivalent of a war-time footing in training nurses, doctors and other health professionals. People say we can't train them, as premier, I would not be prepared to accept that."
Taft talked about education, saying Liberals would invest in schools and teachers and remove obstacles to post-secondary education.
The Conservatives have gone through more than $200 billion in royalties since they came to power in 1971, Taft said, adding it's almost gone.
"The Tories are like the lottery winner who blows it all and wakes up with a hangover. Except it is the people of Alberta who will be feeling sick."
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2008 ... 71-cp.html
taft has resorted to blaming polling problems for his poor showing at the polls . maybe he should look at his parties policy instead and the ones people did not like . that might have move to do with why they did not vote for him .
CKA Elite 
CKA Super Elite 
