It didn't take Raj Sherman long after his election Saturday as the new leader of the Alberta Liberals, to issue his first challenge to the party.
In his victory speech, Sherman would not rest on his laurels and challenged the party to get ready for the next campaign.
"We must have steel in our spines and must not be faint of heart, because Albertans deserve leadership that can take a stand on their behalf," he said. "We need Albertans to see that the new Alberta Liberal party is the best choice."
Sherman said his victory was an endorsement of Albertans' calls for change in politics.
"Can we please have a real chance for real change?" he asked. "That answer is a resounding yes!"
Sherman was the clear winner, with 54.4 per cent of the vote, followed by current MLAs Hugh MacDonald at 26 per cent and Laurie Blakeman at 9.93 per cent. Former party organizer Bill Harvey collected 7.28 per cent of the vote and Calgary labour leader Bruce Payne finished with 2.29 per cent.
Sherman was ejected from the Progressive Conservative caucus last fall for his outspoken comments about health care, emergency room wait times and doctor intimidation. He's been sitting as an independent MLA ever since.
On Saturday Sherman lauded his opponents and said they had made the party better and better prepared for the next campaign.
"There are five winners here today. Their commitment and sacrifice helped reignite and re-engage Albertans," he said. "Today, Team Raj of yesterday becomes Team Alberta of tomorrow."
Sherman joined the Alberta Liberal caucus on Monday.
The party changed its rules for this leadership race, with a system akin to an American primary. Anyone legally eligible to vote could register with the party as a supporter at no cost. The supporters, along with full party members, were all eligible to cast a ballot.
Voting concerns
The online and telephone voting raised concerns for some candidates. MacDonald said many did not receive personal identification numbers and then had trouble getting help.
"I would never advise any political party, ever to conduct a leadership like we just did," he said. "It is water under the bridge. I would say Raj got a first-ballot victory and let's live with it and move on."
Party executive director Corey Hogan said he was pleased with the voting and dismissed MacDonald's concerns.
"People who wanted to vote were able to vote. Sometimes they had to go to the help line, but there were not people who were turned away," he said.
Blakeman also said there were some glitches, but she was not overly concerned given Sherman's resounding victory. She said one of the challenges for the new leader in the months ahead would be learning how to live on the other side of the aisle.
"It is a tough uphill battle. He has never been in opposition, doesn't know what it is like to work in opposition with no funding," she said.
Local reaction
St. Albert Grits endorsed their new leader, but also outlined he will have an uphill battle.
Sherman has to show Albertans he has something to say on all the issues, not just healthcare, said former city councillor and one-time provincial Liberal Bob Russell.
"He has to broaden his appeal to the public, it can't be just on one big wing," Russell said.
Russell said Sherman wasn't his first choice, but he believes he will still make an excellent leader.
"I think he is a pretty quick study, he has a sharp mind and I expect good things from him," Russell said. "I will support Raj and I am looking forward to having him get out here to St. Albert."
Current city councillor and former Liberal MLA Len Bracko said Sherman will need the support from his party now.
"He has been given the mandate to lead the party and the members need to rally around him," Bracko said.
He said Sherman will face a different challenge depending on who is in the premier's chair.
Former St. Albert Liberal MLA Jack Flaherty also said that will be a major challenge.
"I think it is all going to depend on who he is facing and what the issues are."
Sherman has to manage both the party and the politics well or he won't be successful, Flaherty said.
"I think he has a lot of potential," he said. "I think it will depend on how he manages the empire he has achieved. In other words, how will he manage the organization?"
Swann's last challenge
In an address before the vote was announced, outgoing leader David Swann challenged his party to keep working. With hard work and determination the party could form government, he said.
"I'm here to tell you that we'll never form government — in fact, we don't deserve to form government — until we take a long hard look at ourselves and our actions," Swann said.
Noting the criticism might sound harsh, he said openly addressing their own weaknesses was the only way the party could claim success.
"I have a duty today to speak the truth as I see it, because I love this party and more importantly, I love Alberta. Alberta needs a better government," he said.
Swann challenged his replacement to accept only one outcome.
"Accept nothing less than an Alberta Liberal government."
