Drew Barnes in race to lead Wildrose Party

The race for the leadership of the Wildrose Party has another contender.

Drew Barnes was elected MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat in 2012.

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"I have a vision for the Wildrose Party and for our province," said Barnes in a release on Thursday.

"It is a vision I know many of us share: Alberta, strong and free, where hard work and determination are rewarded with new hope and new opportunity."

Barnes is the third candidate to enter the race.

The other contenders are former Fort McMurray-Athabasca Conservative MP Brian Jean and Linda Osinchuk, the former mayor of Strathcona County.

The new leader will be announced on March 28 after a 12-day telephone voting period for party members.