As a 37 year Albertan as well Wings, I think it's a calculated Risk on the PC's part. As you say they hold 72 seats and have destroyed what's left of the Wildrose party. (Actually they destroyed themselves and any political credibility they had) I'm sure Prentice had no idea what he had committed to and walked Into a bee hive with falling energy prices shortly after but I believe they think Albertans are aware of the current economic climate and don't hold Prentice at fault considering the short time he has held the position. There hasn't been anything other than a PC majority government in Alberta since 1971 and I don't think that will change anytime soon.................now BC on the other hand is a different cat!