Alberta Tories lose Klein's old riding in byelection

Alberta's Progressive Conservatives suffered a political blow Tuesday night, losing a byelection in the affluent Calgary riding once held by former premier Ralph Klein.

In one of two byelections, Liberal candidate Craig Cheffinsdefeated Progressive Conservative rival Brian Heninger in the central Calgary seat thathas been in Tory hands since it was created in 1971.Klein was first elected in the riding in 1989.

Tory Jack Haydenwas able to win the rural riding of Drumheller-Stettler in another byelection, as voters picked a new MLA to replace former deputy premier Shirley McClellan.

Observers said the contest in Calgary-Elbow was the first real test ofthe popularity of Premier EdStelmach's government since critics accused it of not taking care of the city's needs.

Stelmach was chosen as party leader in December after Klein retired, taking thepremier's title without a provincialelection.

In the 2004 election, Klein held on to the riding by just over 2,000 votes from the nearest candidate, a Liberal.

Cheffins had said residents in Calgary-Elbowwere telling him their needs aren't being heard by Stelmach's government.

In a flyer that hit city mailboxes last week, the premier countered that $5 billion was set aside for Calgary in this year's budget. And on Friday, Stelmach re-announced his government's commitment to building a new hospital in south Calgary.