I might be reading too much into it, but for those who don't believe me, here it is (note point #2 in particular):
Seven Things You Need To Know
Dear X,
With just eight days left until the February 4th membership sign-up deadline, it’s time for another edition ofKevin Falcon’s Seven Things You Need To Know This Week:
1. Pat Bell and Shirley Bond Endorsed Kevin Falcon
We were thrilled to have Pat Bell and Shirley Bond, two senior cabinet ministers from Prince George, join Team Falcon this week (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG_r1H3HO3c ). They are a dynamic, outstanding team in Prince George and at the cabinet table.2. Kevin is Building a Regional and Philosophical Coalition—The Only Way to Win an Election in BC
The endorsements of Pat and Shirley underscore an important point. The only time the NDP form government in this Province is when free enterprisers split their votes among more than one Party. To win the next election, we need a leader who can keep both our philosophical and regional coalitions together. Kevin Falcon is the only candidate who can do that. He has support from both federal Liberals and federal Conservatives, and support from every region of the Province. Our MLAs understand that, and that’s why they are choosing Kevin to lead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=FRIMwm9_STo ).
While the BC Liberals may be a coalition of Center and Center Right politicians and their supporters, they have been fairly "centrist" in many of their policies (the HST and Carbon Tax are examples). Sure there are some MLAs who are federal Conservatives without a real home in BC (and "opportunity" is more important than sitting unelected as BC Conservatives), but for the most part they need to "play nice" and be part of the broad coalition.
With an election almost 4 years away, there isn't really any worry of the government unravelling. There is also plenty of opportunity to appeal to BC voters with visionary policy and moderate, centrist leadership.
Troubled economic times are ahead, and BC needs moderate visionary leadership to ensure the people and their jobs survive.
A very recent poll shows Mr. Falcon as being the least preferred choice for BC Voters to be leader of the Provincial Liberal Party. While the voting populace doesn't all get a say in the BC Liberal Leadership race, who they indicate they'll vote for is a telling tale - and indeed a warning to BC Liberals. A leader must be chosen wisely - with consideration for future voting repercussions. Straddling the center of the political spectrum is a good strategy for continued success.
Oh... One more thing: If people think they'd like to take the party "hard right", perhaps they are better off sitting as independents. Mr. Falcon doesn't need to hug them too tightly. 3-4 years as independents will certainly give them time to cool their heels.
