In the summer of 2008, Carole James capitalized on then-premier Gordon Campbell’s aloof style, at one point surpassing the BC Liberals in voting intention.

In the end, the emotional connection necessary for change did not arrive. Campbell won another majority in May 2009, and the BC NDP finished with 35 seats—up considerably from the two they held.

It’s becoming more evident that Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad is where James was in 2008: Voters are giving his party a long hard look, but he is not yet perceived as the deliverer of change.

The BC NDP remains in first place with the support of 40 per cent of decided voters (down two points in four weeks), followed by the BC Conservatives with 33 per cent (up one point). The BC Greens are in third place with 15 per cent (up three points), and BC United is in fourth place (11 per cent, down one point).

Competitive provincial parties usually hold on to at least three in five voters from their........

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