Alberta Liberals are distancing themselves from the Federal Liberal Party

The sponsorship scandal, internal infighting, weak leadership and the lack of direction in the Federal Liberal party have severely tarnished the once proud “Liberal” brand name. This turmoil is causing some of its provincial counterparts to begin distancing themselves from the Federal Liberal Party.

“EDMONTON -- Like a young person embarrassed by his parents, Alberta Liberals are taking great pains to distance themselves from their namesakes in Ottawa.
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The party executive is sending out letters urging news organizations to refer to the party and its members as "Alberta Liberals" rather than "Liberals."

With possible provincial and federal elections looming, Alberta Liberals are gritting their teeth at the prospect of being lumped together with their federal counterparts.

"We need you to call us by our real name," reads the letter, adding that it is "critical" for Albertans to distinguish between the federal and provincial parties. "After all, the Alberta Liberal Party is a completely distinct Alberta-born and bred political party ... with a clear vision for sustaining Alberta's prosperity."

The letter goes on to note that Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft is not even a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

This cannot be good news for a federal party that considers itself the natural governing party of Canada. From what I see, it is just another sign of people jumping ship before the big shipwreck as the Liberal party’s fortunes have clearly declined.

Right now they are experiencing a decline in the polls, poor leadership, massive debts, a decline in donations and lack of a clear message and direction. These days many are questioning what does the Federal Liberal Party stands for? It does not seem to have a clear position on issues such as the economy, crime, the environment, the justice system and the Afghanistan mission. If they are not able to turn things around quickly, the NDP may one day replace them as the opposition.