Promoting social democracy in Alberta is one of those jobs that would reduce most people to sobbing frustration. Hercules would probably have rather gone back to the Aegean stables after a dysentery outbreak than take on the leadership of the Alberta NDP.
Yet Raj Pannu — possibly the un-meanest, least ego-driven person ever to enter politics — has been at it now for four and a half years. Yesterday’s announcement that he’s stepping down as leader isn’t especially surprising; with an election on the way, it’s a pretty compelling way of generating some excitement and interest.
He’s staying on as an MLA, and will run again in the fall. Brian Mason promises to take the party to a new level of articulate, forceful dynamism. But I’ll miss Raj as leader. Smart, sweet and funny in equal measures, he was a pleasure to write for — and a truly positive presence on the political scene.
