Nelson falls just short in election bid

Battle River - Wainwright Wildrose candidate Dave Nelson lost by a mere 495 votes in one of the closest races during the Alberta election on April 23.

Incumbent MLA Doug Griffiths received  7,205 votes to edge out Nelson who picked up 6,710. No other candidate received more than 800 votes.

"We knew it was going to be close right from the get-go," said Dave Nelson. "We went into this to win, so we were disappointed we lost. I'm more disappointed with the results of the whole province, more so than mine. I think the opposition's tactics they used in the last week worked for them."

Dave said it's too bad the province is always in the hole. "This is the fifth straight deficit budget that I know of, and it will go to six. When we campaign again in four years, I'm afraid we will still be talking about trying to balance the budget because I don't think we will have one by then." The last balanced budget for Alberta was in 1985.

The close races will give the Wildrose Party added fuel in the next election. "This gives us huge confidence for the next election. Two and a half years ago, we weren't even a party," said Dave. "We received about 44 per cent of the vote running against the minister of municipal affairs. That gives us lots of confidence."

The Wildrose Party will have 17 seats in the legislature. "There are lots of positives that we can take out of the election. It's too bad it's a majority government," said Dave. "Now I'm going back to my farm and help keep this government accountable. I believe in Danielle (party leader Smith) and in the party's vision."

The Wildrose Party will form the official opposition. "I believe that will only help her as a leader and for the party. I really believe that in four years we will be a force to reckon with."

He was proud of the way his campaign turned out. "I wouldn't change anything. We took the high road and I don't think all of the parties can say that. It's tough to battle broken promises. I just thank the constituents for voting and for all of my supporters for the hard work they did for me. It has been awesome the way people pulled behind us."

Dave isn't saying if he is running in the next election. "I'm not sure yet. I will be helping in one way or another to make sure the Conservative government is gone from Alberta."