Two local MLAs have put their support behind another with endorsements this week from Ken Kowalski and Jeff Johnson for PC leadership candidate Doug Horner.
Horner, who made it official this week by filing his nomination papers in advance of Friday’s deadline, received the support of both Kowalski, who represents Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock and Johnson who represents Athabasca-Redwater.
Johnson said Horner has the skill and the integrity for the premier’s office.
“I know his work ethic and I know the level of integrity that he has and I have seen him do some very good work on some delicate files.”
Johnson said he has a good relationship with Horner and has first-hand experience with his abilities.
“I have known him a long time and he has been a friend for a long time, so I have a good chance to work closely with him.”
For Kowalski, the endorsement is both a political and a personal one.
“His father, Dr. Hugh Horner was my mentor. I worked for Hugh Horner, he got me involved in this stuff,” said the Speaker of the Legislature. “I have known Doug since he was a little kid, I have watched him grow, mature turn into a great young guy and family man and saw him become a minister of the Crown with a lot of success.”
Kowalski said beyond simply knowing Horner well, he has seen him perform in the legislature and around the cabinet table.
“He has a good understanding of principles and what principles mean,” said Kowalski. “Every capacity he has ever had he has handled his responsibilities with clarity, with integrity and with focus.”
Kowalski, stayed out of any political endorsements during the last PC leadership race because of his position as speaker, but said this time he had to let Horner know he had his support.
“It is kind of hard when the kid is your neighbour in Barrhead and you have known him all your life. I mean this is very personal. I have told the other candidates why. I have explained that to him.”
Both men insist there are six good candidates in the race, but feel Horner rises above the pack.
Johnston said Horner understands the needs of agricultural producers and the bitumen upgrading industry.
Kowalski said with the nomination period still not even closed, it is impossible to predict how the race will end up, especially with the open format the Tories use to select their leader.
Earlier this month, Horner unveiled support from cabinet ministers Luke Ouellette, Ray Danyluk, Frank Oberle, Jack Hayden and Hector Goudreau, along with MLAs Dave Quest and Wayne Drysdale.
