OLDS - Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper says he does not plan to endorse any particular candidate in the ongoing United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership campaign race.
Party members vote Oct. 6 to replace outgoing leader and premier Jason Kenney, who is stepping down following an earlier leadership review.
“There are a number of great candidates and I think it is best for members in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills to pick the one they feel best represents them and as such I won’t be endorsing anyone,” Cooper told the Albertan.
The party has approved seven leadership candidates: Leela Aheer, Brian Jean, Todd Loewen, Rajan Sawhney, Rebecca Schulz, Danielle Smith, and Travis Toews.
Several UCP MLAs have come out in support of individual candidates.
Jason Nixon, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre UCP MLA and minister of Alberta Finance, accompanied Toews during a recent campaign stopover in Sundre. At the time Nixon told the Albertan that he plans to soon officially announce his support for Toews’ leadership run.
“I am definitely 100 per cent beyond Travis Toews. I believe he is the only guy to unite the party, beat Rachel Notley in the next year,” said Nixon. “Without a doubt I’m behind Travis Toews.”
Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen did not immediately return a call seeking comment.