Is it just me, or does it seem like the Conservatives react to everything that the Wildrose does?

‘Cause, that’s how it looks to me.

Hours before the WA was to unveil its plan to deal with the land-use law the province enacted a couple of years ago, the government now says it’s going to have a second look at the legislation.

Leader Danielle Smith says she may run in High River. Finance Minister Ted Morton says he just might do the same thing.

These are just a couple of examples, but they highlight a problem. That being said, too much attention is being paid to a party who only gained official party status when Independent Guy Boutilier decided he would join them before this sitting of the legislature.

The Tories don’t pay half as much attention to the Liberals, and even less to the NDP. So, why are they so nervous?

Answer? The Wildrose Alliance represents a strong conservative voice and could be the party that forms the next government in Alberta.

BUT let’s not get ahead of ourselves. An election in this province is a long way off, and if Ed Stelmach has proven one thing, it’s that underestimating him could come with a big political cost.

It wasn’t a mistake that he won the leadership. It wasn’t a mistake that he increased the number of PC seats in the last election. And, it wouldn’t be a mistake if he held power in the next.

But, Stelmach and his MLA’s have to start paying less attention to the Wildrose.

Let them do what they want. Let the media ask about the Alliance’s plans, and then dismiss them as just another opposition party who believes they can do things better.

But don’t try to pre-empt announcements and put heavyweight candidates against the leader of the other party. What if the minister loses the seat? Now you’ve formed the government but don’t have one of the most competent and vocal members of your caucus anymore.

Take a lesson from your federal counterparts – keep your eye on the ball, and use your own policy and record to keep your opponents at bay.