As an Albertan, I would just like to say that the national NDP and our provincial NDP are quite different. The NDP here is more on the conservative-centre side (they have to be, around these parts) and Rachel Notley did EXTREMELY well in her campaign and during the debates. Jim Prentice, leader of the PC party, was an absolute ass, the Liberals have zero respect, and Brian Jean had absolutely no sense of image. Really, she was the only option for anyone but the staunchest members of the right. The national election is nowhere near as clear cut. I believe there's a very strong anti-Harper movement on the Internet, but Alberta seems to still be supportive of him. The biggest disadvantage for the left is definitely vote-splitting between the three parties, especially as there doesn't seem to be a clearly better candidate.