Public reaction to Wildrose floor-crossing mixed

After three days of rumour and speculation, Premier Jim Prentice and former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith announced Wednesday that nine Wildrose MLAs had officially crossed the floor to join the governing Progressive Conservatives.

"I have to say if you're going to have to be the official opposition leader, you have to really want to take down the premier. I don't want to take down the premier," said Smith in the joint press conference with the Prentice.

Joining Smith in the move are Rob Anderson (Airdrie), Gary Bikman (Cardston-Taber-Warner), Rod Fox (Lacombe-Ponoka), Jason Hale (Strathmore-Brooks), Bruce McAllister (Chestermere-Rocky View), Blake Pedersen (Medicine Hat), Bruce Rowe (Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills) and Jeff Wilson (Calgary-Shaw).

Opposition in disarray

The move, which political observers are calling unprecedented, essentially laid waste to Alberta's official opposition party.

"Well it's interesting, on Twitter, people are talking about the media needing to step up and the media to be the opposition, which is kind of a role they played in the past," said political observer Janet Brown.

Brown believes most voters will welcome the return of a one-party system.

"In Alberta we actually like our politics quite calm and quite subdued," she said. "I think the average Albertan is going to be kind of happy see the hijinx and the hysteria go away."

The floor-crossings that have divided the party has also divided voters across Alberta.

Dean Leask, the former vice president of policy for the Wildrose Party, says the move isn't good for democracy.

"If this damages the Wildrose, who is doing an excellent job of critiquing the government, it's really troubling," he said.

High River mixed feelings

Smith's constituents in High River are having mixed feelings about their MLA's shift.

"I think a lot of people are irritated right now by the move, to be honest." said Hubert Aumeier. "I think she's in some hot water."

George Groeneveld, the former Progressive Conservative MLA for Highwood, questioned what impact Smith's decision will have on her constituents.

"All of a sudden the rules have changed," he said. "She won't be the leader of the party and how much strength is she going to have? Can they trust her? Will she go to bat for them?"

Many in High River are vowing to still stand behind Smith.

"I really believe in her and what she has to offer as a political person," said Deborah Moshenko, owner of Big Sky Picture Framing. "She's really interested in people and helping and supporting them."

At Smith's constituency office, assistant Lynn Bailey was already making plans to help ease the transition for locals.

"If we had a town hall where people could discuss how they're feeling about this, I mean she loves town hall, like to talk one-on-one," she said. "I think that's the best way to go about it."

Online anger

The outrage against Smith extended well beyond her Highwood constituents. Nearly 2,000 people in took to Smith's Facebook page to voice their outrage.

"You all need to resign your seats now.....As in today.....you were not elected as a conservative party member......There for [sic] resign.....you have deceived the voters of this province.," wrote Peter Sorbie.

"I voted WILD ROSE, you were elected as such and have no right to take my vote across the floor . PERIOD!!" wrote Alan Miller.

Smith herself says there is no political rivalry — and those who share conservative values in this province need to stand together.