Doug Griffiths wins Battle River-Wainwright in nail-biter, PCs regain resounding majority

In one of the most talked about elections in years, Premier Alison Redford and the Progressive Conservatives once again pulled ahead on Monday with a resounding majority victory, continuing their 41 year dynasty as the province’s governing party.

In an incredibly tight race, Battle River-Wainwright MLA and PC candidate Doug Griffiths retained his seat, just narrowing out Wildrose Party candidate Dave Nelson in the polls 47 per cent to 44 per cent. Nelson at one point actually led Griffiths, but could not maintain it.

With Danielle Smith’s Wildrose Party strongly projected to win the election leading up to Monday, despite multiple public relations blips, the PCs defied the polls and completely dominated, winning 61 seats in the legislature (at press time).

“Tonight is a very happy night for the PC Party of Alberta,” said Premier Redford in her post-election address. “I’m so proud to be with you here.
“Today, Alberta, you spoke, and you spoke loudly. And I want you to know I heard you,” Redford said triumphantly.

“Every Albertan knew that this election was about choice. A choice to put up walls, or to build bridges; a choice about Alberta’s future. Tonight, Albertans chose to build bridges. We chose to express our pride and stand on the shoulders of our great history.”

In his victory, Griffiths won 55 polls with a total of 7,205 votes and a 47 per cent lead. Nelson, not far behind, won 27 polls with a total of 6,710 votes, good for 44 per cent. NDP candidate Terry Zawalski received 775 votes for five per cent, Liberal Amber Greenleese received 469 votes for three per cent, and Alberta Party candidate Midge Lambert had 265 votes, or two per cent.