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His political resume includes a stint as a campaign advisor for Premier Christy Clark.
He was also Chairman at BC Hydro.
But Brad Bennet is probably best known as the son of Premier Bill Bennett and the grandson of W.A.C. Bennett.
He is a person who grew up surrounded by BC politics.
Bennett says it's John Rustad's turn.
"I'm a big supporter of John's," said Bennett. "I think he's got some really great common sense ideas on how to get this province turned around."
The philanthropist, businessman and keen political observer has seen a lot over the decades, but agrees that 2024 has been particularly strange.
"Politics is kind of a strange animal anyway," he said. "Lots of things can happen."
He suggested Kevin Falcon's BC United Party was doomed long before he threw in the towel.
"They just never got the traction," said Bennett.
"The name change was a disaster, and the rebranding never worked."
When party leader Kevin Falcon, folded the BC United campaign, he suggested Conservatives would be moving ahead with the best Conservative or BC United candidate in each riding.
Bennett is not surprised, Rustad hasn't done that.
"Yeah well captains pick their own teams," he said.
"John Rustad probably looked at everything on balance," said Bennett.
"And decided he wanted to run with the people that he had for the most part."
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Brad Bennett, Political Advisor
With the exception of Kelowna Mission Candidate Gavin Dew, Central Okanagan Conservatives have been avoiding media interviews and public debates.
Bennett said the candidates haven't been muzzled, they're just choosing to spend their time differently.
"I think the candidates are just choosing to spend their time where they think it's most wisely spent," said Bennett, "And that's probably at the doorstep."
Bennett if the former BC United candidates truly want to see a change in government, they shouldn't be running as independents.
"I think it's a vote splitter," he said.
Bennett said he's always been a proponent for whichever party is the centre-right coalition party of the day.
"And today that is the Conservative Party of British Columbia, to get elected to keep the NDP out of government."
He offered a message to right-of-centre voters to consider their vote carefully.
"In thinking that you're supporting somebody that you like, and not casting your vote for the party that has the best chance of forming government," said Bennett.
"You may be giving a seat to the NDP."
Voters go to the polls Oct. 19.
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