The race is officially on for Airdrie-East UCP hopeful Angela Pitt.  

Not that it wasn't already, according to Pitt who says she's been touring the riding, knocking on doors and meeting potential voters.  "We didn't really know when the Premier was actually going to call the election but we officially kicked off our campaign today even though we've been underway for quite a while now, as you can tell from some of the signs all over town." 

Yesterday (March 23) things got officially kicked off with the opening of Pitt's campaign office on Main Street in Airdrie.  

A large and enthusiastic crowd was on hand to enjoy a free barbeque, pick up lawn signs in support of Pitt and put their names down to volunteer to help with her campaign.

Pitt says she plans on putting the focus on Airdrie-East throughout the campaign, although she says there is a chance she'll campaign for other UCP candidates in other ridings.  "We'll see," says Pitt.  "I'm really excited to see Team United Conservative get elected here because that's really important.  But we're really focused on Airdrie and the new parts of the constituency here and getting to know the people all over the riding."

Pitt says the message she's getting out at the doors is one of hope.  She also says she's hearing a lot of frustration from voters.  "We've got to get rid of this NDP government.  We've got to get back to work because jobs and the economy and getting pipelines built are very, very important to the people I've been talking to at the doors."

Pitt says this election comes down to jobs and putting more Albertans back to work.

"We have the highest unemployment rates outside of Atlantic Canada right now in Alberta with Calgary being the first and Edmonton being third.  This is just crazy, but there's hope.  We have a lot of really positive announcements that we've rolled out already that are attracting the interest of different industries across the country and elsewhere.  It's exciting, it's positive."

Two polls released last week show the UCP with a healthy lead over the NDP among decided voters.  Pitt says she'll ignore the polls and focus on running a successful campaign.  "I'm committed to work hard, stay humble and earning every vote.  That's where I'm committing all of our time and that's what we're focused on.  We're really excited about spreading the message as well." 

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