Make Horner second choice for leader, Redford tells supporters

Alison Redford said Friday that if she doesn't win the Progressive Conservative leadership contest Oct. 1, Doug Horner, not Gary Mar,will be her choice to lead the party.

Party members are asked to mark their first and second preferences on the second ballot to ensure someone will get the support of more than 50 per cent of party members.

Speaking Friday in Calgary, Redford asked her supporters to make Hornertheir second choice on the ballot as his values are more in line with her own.

"His values around what we need to do as a party to ensure that we have a vibrant leadership selection process are the same as mine. So I think that's my choice," she said.

"My campaign team and supporters will make their choices but I wouldn't be surprised to see consistencies there."

Horner was on the road campaigning and was not available for comment Friday. But his campaign manager, Kevin Weidlich, said Redford's decision is good news.

"We're always hopeful that we would hear positive remarks from all of the candidates and the MLAs and when we do, it's always a pleasant surprise," he said. "I'm confident that I don't know of any discussions between Doug and Alison."

Mar garnered the most support on the Sept. 17first ballot with 41 per cent of the vote, well ahead of Redford and Horner.Mar said while he respects Redford's decision, he finds it surprising.

"It is a little ironic that this candidate from Calgary talked about being a strong voice for Calgary andI think it's perhaps inconsistent for her to suggest supporting somebody from a place other than Calgary," he said.

Mar has no plans to tell his supporters who they should make their second choice.

On Friday, Mar announced that Battle River-Wainwright MLA and sixth-place finisherDoug Griffiths will be asked to lead a party renewal process if Mar becomes leader.

"I have heard clearly from current party members, past members and potential members that its time to move the party forward," Mar said in a news release.

"Its time to open the doors. Its time for bold thinking and grassroots changes."

Redford said that if she becomes premier,Albertavoters will go to the polls next March.She will also bring in legislation to set fixed dates for provincial elections.