Canadian Press

(Ottawa)  Conservative MP Chuck Strahl has thrown his support behind party
leadership contender Tony Clement after deciding not to seek the post
himself. The former Reform-Alliance MP from British Columbia announced
Saturday he will be the third national co-chair of Mr. Clement's campaign
alongside Tory stalwarts John Crosbie and Tom Long.

"Tony, more than any other candidate, is a bridge-builder who will
bring all parts of our diverse party together in time to fight the next
election", Mr. Strahl said in a statement. "We need a leader
whose principles, politics and leadership will appeal to all parts of the
country. Tony is the only candidate who has all the qualities to meet those
tests."

The comments were a blow to the campaign of contender Stephen Harper, under
whom Mr. Strahl has served as an Alliance MP.

Mr. Clement, 42, was a cabinet mainstay in the Ontario Conservative
government of Mike Harris. He lost his seat in the last provincial
election. Mr. Clement hailed Mr. Strahl's support as a western breakthrough
for his leadership drive. "Chuck has earned the respect of people in
both of the merging parties", he said in a statement. "His
support is also further proof that no one has a monopoly on support in
western Canada."

Mr. Strahl opted not to run for the leadership in mid-January because of
prohibitive costs, including $100,000 just to enter. Half that amount would
be refunded, the party says, if candidates abide by the rules. But Mr.
Strahl said he couldn't reach the financial targets required to maintain
hopes of a successful bid.

Mr. Strahl led a protest by MPs who defected from the Alliance in protest
over Stockwell Day's leadership. They formed a temporary coalition with the
Tories. He rejoined the party under Mr. Harper, but never regained his more
prominent stature enjoyed in the party's Reform days.

Also Saturday, auto-parts millionaire Belinda Stronach, called for a
Conservative policy conference this spring. The third contender to enter
the race, Ms. Stronach said she wants to see policy debated before an
expected spring election, arguing such a debate would allow Canadians to
better see the new party's goals and principles.

Ms. Stronach's team recently won the support of several organizers in
Quebec, including three who had already committed to working for Mr.
Clement. They also tried to woo Mr. Clement's B.C. and Alberta organizer,
but she opted to stay with the former Ontario health minister. Mr. Clement
organizers say Ms. Stronach's team offered between $35,000 and $50,000 for
two months' work.

Conservative members in every federal riding will vote for their leader of
choice in the March 19-21 ballot, with each riding worth 100 points and the
spoils divided proportionately


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