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The former Alberta director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said Monday he’s thinking hard about seeking the Wildrose leadership as he threw his hat into the ring to be the party’s candidate in Strathmore-Brooks.

Derek Fildebrandt made the announcement outside the Strathmore office of Progressive Conservative MLA Jason Hale — one of the nine Wildrose members who crossed the floor in December to join Jim Prentice’s Tory government.

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Fildebrandt told reporters he is considering a leadership run after being urged by many Wildrose supporters to enter the race to replace Danielle Smith, who was also among the defectors to the Tories.

“The membership is still there. They’re more motivated than ever. Obviously the party has suffered a very crippling blow, but the grassroots are there,” he said.

“They’re ready to fight. The principles of Wildrose are Alberta values.”

The Wildrose executives have set June 6 for its leadership date, although signs point to Prentice calling an election in March.