This interesting message was sent my way:

The Calgary West Federal nomination date is Saturday September 2, 2006. If you wish to vote in the nomination you must be a resident of Calgary West and have a membership by THIS Friday August 11. Information regarding memberships can be found at www.conservative.ca or to directly purchase a membership go to https://secure.conservative.ca/1209/0.

FYI So far to our knowledge UCCCA External Director and U of C Senator Walter Wakula is running against Calgary West MP Rob Anders for the nomination.

So, at the very least, Anders is going to get a run for his money for the Calgary West nomination (although this won’t be the first time he’s been opposed). As for the challenger:

Walter Wakula holds a BComm, MBA (U of C);. He is managing director Wakula & Associates Inc. and has held senior financial management positions with Canadian and International petroleum, electrical utility and financial advisory companies.

All candidates have to be vetted by a in riding committee composed of members of anders board. The notice was given yesterday of the meeting being called (as far as everyone I know that knows this sort of thing, ie: cheif organizer of allison redford last time (anders challenger)).

By the rules memberships must be sold by friday. Only challenger so far is Walter Wakula recieved his MBA from the U of C in 1981, so he is substaintially older than Anders.

Quote from current riding association president:

“I want to save the biggest thanks for Walter Wakula, the outgoing president of our constituency association. For the past two years his leadership has steered us through the merger, a local nomination, a leadership campaign and an election. His ability to maintain calm, even during the most energetic debates, was critical to our success. Walter remains an active member of the board, so his knowledge and skills are still available when we really need them.”
Andrew Constantinidis.
President, Calgary West EDA