Election campaigns are underway in Alberta’s two neighbouring provinces, but our premier seems to be just as locked into campaign mode as any of her B.C. or Saskatchewan counterparts.

Danielle Smith already just contested a leadership race and a general election, so it would seem odd for her to be doing any campaigning right now. This might also come as a surprise to most Albertans, who have seen very little of the premier over recent months.

But Smith faces a leadership review vote later this fall and is clearly going to great lengths to placate any concerns that UCP members might have. Securing an emphatic vote of confidence in November is a top priority. It was, as everyone recalls, a not-so-emphatic result that opened the door for Smith to even be in this position to begin with.

While UCP members might have greater leverage at the moment, the premier still has obligations as head of government to the rest of the province. That’s especially true when it comes to policy decisions that could affect many or even........

© Calgary Herald