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Former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith won’t have a free ride to the Progressive Conservative nomination in Highwood.

Okotoks town councillor Carrie Fischer confirmed Friday she will challenge Smith, who led a mass defection of Wildrose MLAs to the government benches in December, for the Tory nod.

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“I’m just really excited to get in there and represent the people of Highwood,” said Fischer.

Smith apologized in January for not properly consulting with constituents before leading the floor-crossing. At the same time, she confirmed she would seek the PC nomination.

While Smith has enjoyed public support from Premier Jim Prentice, Fischer doesn’t feel like the race is necessarily an uphill battle.

“It comes down to what local residents want,” said Fischer.

jwood@calgaryherald.com