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For him, the secret is hard work, reaching out and meeting people. As if to prove his point, he will head to Calgary on Thursday for his second day on the campaign trail.

Progressive Conservative ties

Mandel is the second former Tory to join the leadership race, following Calgary-South East Independent MLA Rick Fraser, who announced his intentions Tuesday.

Mandel jumped into provincial politics in 2014. He was appointed health minister by then-premier Jim Prentice, despite not holding a seat at the time.

He won an October 2014 byelection under the PC banner, but lost his seat less than six months later when the NDP decimated the Tories, sweeping the party from 44 years of provincial rule.

Mandel doesn’t consider himself part of the old guard, having only been part of that government for a few months.

Either way, he said, “the progressive part of the Progressive Conservative party is gone.”

“I found a home in the Alberta Party, which I believe is a much greater balance in fiscal conservatism, in social programs. I think I have every right to become part of a new movement, and help lead that movement,” he said.

Personal decision

Mandel had bandied about the idea of running for leadership for some time, but it wasn’t in the cards until now.

The past year has been a challenge. He and his wife, Lynn, lost their daughter, Rachel, to lymphoma in November.

That loss has been “incredibly difficult to deal with,” he said Wednesday, “but we have to move forward.”

His wife supports his bid for party leader, but he said it doesn’t change the fact they’re still dealing with their loss.

At 72, Mandel is the oldest candidate in the race. With a deadline Monday and no other names being floated in political circles, it’s likely to stay that way.

But he’s not concerned. Many companies and organizations are run by the older set, he said.

“I think to send us out to pasture is a bit premature, a bit unfair,” he said.

“I have lots of energy, I have the ability, the passion.”

egraney@postmedia.com

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