first, a jump to the left, then a step to the right

Well, the election results are in and what was once the great socialist state of Saskatchewan, is now conservative country.

Putting my dramatic introduction aside, the results of the Saskatchewan election probably aren't very surprising or particularly important. Despite fear-mongering and concern over the Sask Party's conservative roots, this was not a major shift in Saskatchewan.

Almost 17 years ago, Saskatchewan took a step to the left, electing an NDP majority and defeating a scandal-ridden conservative government. Recognizing that they could not get past their scandalous past, several conservative MLAs and some Liberals MLAs formed the right-wing Saskatchewan Party. Despite their best efforts, the NDP continued to be elected as government (albeit with small majorities and one minority).

After several defeats, and the election of a new leader roughly four years ago, the Sask Party did what all right-wing parties need to do to get elected; they ran to the centre.

In fact, the result of this election, is simply a small step to the right. Brad Wall, our new Premier will be well served to remember that he ran in the centre and he needs to govern from the centre. A quick return to the party's right-wing conservative roots will simply result in a defeat in four years.

What is interesting in this election, is that the NDP which has governed from the centre for the last several years, were pushed out of the centre by the Sask Party during the campaign. In the first few days of the campaign, the NDP took a bold jump to the left with a universal drug plan promise, that some say cost them the election.

I think it just goes to show you, that despite labels of right and left, the majority of Canadians want a government that sits squarely in the mushy middle.