Three years later, in the spring of 2004, Ken Nicol resigned as leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, and Taft was soon elected to replace him. Taft was generally given credit for his tenacity in the legislature. Despite leading a party saddled with a $900,000 debt, he helped his party more than double its seats in the election from 7 before the election call to 16. The Alberta Liberals regained seats in Edmonton, and made a breakthrough in the traditionally conservative city of Calgary. Taft also saw his support in Edmonton Riverview solidify; he received more votes than all other candidates, of any party, in the 2004 election.