[4] The Progressive Conservatives under Dufferin Roblin won a minority government in 1958, though Bend was again re-elected in the renamed riding of Rockwood—Ibreville.
In 1969, he stood for the leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party (as the Liberal-Progressives had renamed themselves), and scored an easily first-ballot win over his three opponents (none of whom had legislative experience).
Bend represented the rural populist wing of the Liberal Party, and was unable to reach an urban audience.
[5] Under his influence, the party adopted a "cowboy"/"rodeo" theme for the campaign, which made it look and sound dated.
Bend himself was narrowly defeated by Progressive Conservative candidate Harry Enns in the riding of Lakeside (which Campbell had previously held for 47 years).