Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA-elect Nathan Cooper dropped a broad hint to the Albertan that he hopes to be in cabinet, now that the United Conservative Party (UCP) has been elected to govern the province.
Cooper certainly has high-profile experience in the legislature, having served as the UCP's caucus chair, its interim leader and as the party's community, social services, democracy and accountability critc.
He was also house leader for the the Wildrose Party.
"Yeah, obviously I have worked diligently. I hope that I'll be able to play a significant role in the upcoming government," Cooper said during an interview with the Albertan.
"Whether or not I'll be in cabinet I'm just happy to serve with Jason, our team and be the best representative for Olds-Didsbury Three Hills that I can."
Cooper said this year's election was more challenging than it was four years ago because the riding had changed.
"The constituency grew by over 30 per cent this election from the last election, and so it's taken a big effort -- all the way down to the new southeast corner of the constituency. We had great support from all the communities," he said.
Another change was the amalgamation of the Wildrose Party and the Progressive Conservative Party into the UCP.
"I think our focus was a little bit different," Cooper said. "Obviously in the last election there were multiple conservative options that were running viable campaigns and so that was very different than today. I hope to be able to give them a significant voice in the next government."
Specifically, Cooper said he was impressed by Alberta Party candidate Chase Brown.
As of 11 p.m. on April 16, Brown had received 1,630 votes, 6.7 per cent of the vote, far below Cooper's 19,104 votes, 78.8 per cent.
"You know what? I think Chase ran a great campaign. He has a lot to offer," Cooper said. "Chase and I, I hope to grab coffee with him after the election and see what ways we can work together."
"Was there any doubt in your mind ever (that you would win)?" Cooper was asked during a scrum with reporters.
"Well, elections are funny things, right? You never do know exactly what the future holds," he said. "I said to my family this morning as I came down the stairs after a good night's rest that my entire future rests in the hands of 32,000 people who barely know me.
"And so there's always a little uncertainty on election day, but I'm just so humbled and honoured to be able to serve the people of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills again in what I think is going to be a very pivotal and exciting time in Alberta's history."
Before he left for Calgary to attend UCP premier-designate Jason Kenney's victory party, Cooper posed with fellow campaign workers to cut a big blue cake. On that cake was a message in white icing on a blue background. It said, "Congratulations Team Cooper Alberta Strong And Free."
While the votes were being tallied during the evening, the north room of the campaign headquarters was filled with supporters watching results on a big screen TV. Many wore blue T-shirts which said "Team Cooper" on the back. Some wore hats that said "UCP."
Among those in the crowd was Mayor Mike Muzychka. He and many others congratulated Cooper after his victory seemed secure.
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills returning officer Laura Ewert said this constituency followed the trend of the entire province -- incredible turnout at advance polls.
She said during the 2015 election, just shy of 3,000 people voted in advance polls throughout the riding. Of that figure, 1,800 cast their ballots in Olds.
"This time, we had a total of just over 8,200 votes, including vote anywhere," Ewert said in an email. "For just our electoral district it was just over 7,100. Of those, just over 3,900 were (cast) in the advance poll in the Olds Legion."
