Liberal takes Ralph Klein's old riding

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 by 784 votes 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.

Cheffins said Tuesday his victory should be a wakeup call for Premier Ed Stelmach.

"We do recognize that there was a component of this campaign where people were indicating they wanted to send a message to the Stelmach government. And that message has been heard and we'll be happy to bring that message forward."

Observers said the contest in Calgary-Elbow would bethe first real test ofthe popularity of Stelmach's government. He was chosen as party leader in December after Klein retired, taking the premier's title without a provincial election.

Cheffins won polls in some of Calgary's poshest neighbourhoods and cleaned up in Lakeview, Klein's backyard.

In a statement Tuesday, Stelmach called the results in the Calgary riding disappointing and acknowledged that Calgarians have sent a message. He said he plans to redouble his efforts to communicate with and unite all Albertans.

Meanwhile, Tory Jack Haydenwas able to easily winthe rural riding of Drumheller-Stettlerin another byelection, as voters picked a new MLA to replace former deputy premier Shirley McClellan. Hayden got 58 per cent of the votes.

After his victory, Hayden said the rest of the province will eventually warm up to Stelmach.

"Once Albertans, especially in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, get to know this premier better, theyare going toflock in behind him. This is one of the most honest, hard-workingindividuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with."