*Sigh*

I suppose it's not all bad - at least this time when the legislature reconvenes, there will be enough people sitting in the opposition benches to at least be heard.

My most optimistic guess for last night's provincial election was that Ralph winding up with a minority government. (Which would have made me positively ecstatic) However, a 20 seat opposition is a good start.

I was very pleased to see Calgary send back something other than a Conservative last night. We've done ourselves no favours by voting blindly for the "obvious winners", and it was pleasing to see a few non-PC seats go back. It should serve as a reminder to the PCs that you don't get to take the voters for granted.

Scanning the results across the province, it appears that the "rural/urban" split in this province is likely to grow ever more pronounced. It looks as though the support base for the Liberals and NDP is strictly in the major urban centres of Edmonton and Calgary. Outside of those two areas, much of the province appears to have voted steadfastly for the PCs, with the Alberta Alliance coming up second in a few ridings.

Thoughts into the future?

1) The Liberals (and NDP) need to focus their efforts on building their support base in the urban centres up for a while yet. Thirty odd years of PC rule has given the PC's deep roots indeed.

2) If they continue to hold together as a party, the Alberta Alliance will likely focus more intensely on the rural ridings to build support. (Although, after the amount of money they just spent on this election - over $1 Million, I gather - they may find themselves well hobbled by debt when the next election rolls around.)

3) Note to the Alberta Liberals: Pay off your debt, and next election be ready in advance! You were so 'flat-footed' in the southeast Calgary ridings it wasn't even funny. Still, considering your campaigns sputtered until the last week, your candidates pulled off some pretty amazing showings.

As for Ralph - okay pal, you have your "last hurrah" mandate. Now do us all a favour, and instead of playing the thin-skinned, petulant little brat that you've been acting like lately, let's try for the 'Elder Statesman' role where you make some real and lasting contributions to this province and the country it is part of.