Wildrose members disappointed by planned MLA defection to PCs

JeffCallaway, the former WildroseParty president and current vice-president of fundraising, says he is very disappointed at the possible defectionof more party members.

"It's rather unfortunate for the state of democracy," he said.

• Floor-crossing angers CBC News readers annoyed with Alberta politics

Callaway says at least threeMLAsare prepared to cross the floor to join Alberta'sgoverning ProgressiveConservatives (PCs):

• Wildrose Party Leader Danielle Smith (Highwood MLA).
• Wildrose Official Opposition House Leader andfinance critic Rob Anderson (Airdrie MLA).
• Jason Hale (Strathmore-Brooks MLA).

CBC has since confirmed severalWildrose MLAs have voted in favour of crossing to the PC party: Smith, Anderson, Hale,Jeff Wilson, GaryBikmanand BlakePederson.

Callaway said an offer letter surfaced last weekend that outlined what MLAs would be offered if they joined the PCs, but the party has not been approached for merger discussions.

He says this is not the end of the partyand he hopes enough MLAs remain so it can hold onto official opposition status.If theWildroseParty ends up with anything fewer than fiveMLAs, the Liberals will once again become the official opposition.

"We've come so far in such a very short politicaltime frame," he said. "And I think we've been very effective as the Official Opposition. I'mbeingbombarded by our members ...and no one is in favour of taking these kinds of actions. We have a lot of belief in the principles of the party that we all stand for."

Callawaytold CBC News Tuesday afternoon he still respects Smith.

"I think there are still a lot of people that we can still do a good job in this party and I was hoping she was going tobe leading us into the next election," he said. "Unfortunately that's not the case.I think there'sa lot of people that willdisagree with her judgment on this, but that's the way it is."

Paul Hinman weighs in

Former party leaderPaul Hinman, who was the first elected MLA for the Wildrose,says the party membership which numbers roughly 21,000 would not even vote on whether to merge with the PCs.

He saysthere is no way the membership or executive will follow the MLAs who cross.

"We don't need to merge. Anybodythat wants to go join the PC Party is free to do that," said Hinman.

"We live in a free province and nobody signed on a life agreement to be part of the Wildrose, and they are free to go, but I think you will find the mass majority will indeed want to stay and carry on with our principles and our policies."

He says he joined the party because he wanted an open and transparent government that is accountable, which he doesn't think is being provided by the PC Party even if some Wildrose MLAsare happy withrecent policy decisions.

The possible change for the Wildrose Party comes just weeks after two other defections.Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Kerry Towleand Little Bow MLA Ian Donovansaid they had grown disillusioned with the Wildrose and liked the direction of the province under Prentice.

Joe Anglinalso quit in early November ahead of a caucus vote to oust him.The three departures left the Wildrose with 14 members compared with 63 for the Tories.

High River residents react

News that Smith is preparing to cross the floor is spreading quickly, and many constituents in her own riding of Highwood are not happy about the prospect of a Tory MLA.

"Sounds to me like they're selling out," said High River residentTerry Plunkett.

"I don't think it's a good idea. I think they should just stick to their guns."

Brad Downie says he voted for the party, not the leader, andhe will never vote for any of theWildroseMLAswho crossthe floor.

He says he is pretty certain that this is the endof the Wildrose Party.

"Even though the PCs have lost contact of reality,and it's just the old boys and the hogs at the trough type thing,"said Downie.

"But Alberta is so afraid of making change thatthey arenever going to vote out the PCs."

But Steve Gauthier can't wait to see a bolstered PC party.

"I'm a Conservative, so I think it's great," he said.