PIE-PO-PIG

There is an interesting drama unfolding in the world of Alberta politics, and it is proving to be a perfect illustration of an important lesson in understanding political parties.

Academics have come up with something called the "PIE-PO-PIG" model to explain it. Basically, there are three inter-related but separate parts to a political party: the Party in the Electorate (PIE), the Party Organization (PO) and the Party in Government (PIG). Put another way, the party membership, party staff/official structure and caucus need to be thought of as separate but interrelated parts.

So out of my 6 readers (hi mom), 5 of you have now dropped off to sleep or given up. The last of you is wondering what that has to do with Alberta politics. Well, the Alberta Liberal Party, of which I am a loving member, is in some serious trouble. For those of you who don't know, Daveberta provides a solid summary of the ALP's troubles. And now this.

The layoff of ALP staff indicates that the party is in some serious trouble. Things continue to hum along in their caucus office (albeit at a reduced level since their reduction in funding following last march's election). The "PIG" arm of the ALP continues along as ever, and the opposition members will continue to have the support they need to perform in the Legislature. But the caucus office is severely limited in what it can do. Its funding comes from government, and as such, it is a theoretically non-partisan organization. Its staff cannot engage in electioneering, cannot maintain membership lists or fundraise, nor can they even use the term "Alberta Liberal Party."

So what of the "PO?" Already, the two office staff were almost entirely consumed with administrative duties. Now, there are not only no paid staff preparing for the next election, there are no paid staff to maintain the membership lists, pay the pills, fundraise, or recruit new members. These tasks will all fall to volunteers.

The caucus members of the ALP need to wake up to the serious danger that is being faced by the ALP. Although they may be somewhat insulated from the situation (I know for a fact that they interact FAR more with caucus staff than they did with party staff) the ALP's party organization going to atrophy even more rapidly. The organization exists to prepare for elections and maintain the party in the electorate. There is now no one to prepare (on a full time basis) for the next election, and I would be very surprised if even basic things like membership renewal notices continue to sent out.

The ALP needs to solve its fundraising problems - and fast - or the entire party is in serious trouble. It may not go bankrupt, but it will find itself incapable of mounting even a basic election campaign.