Weakened Harper plays to party

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA — In finally exercising his prerogative to appoint members of the Senate, Stephen Harper acted yesterday less like a prime minister and more like the party leader he has never deigned to be.

Facing criticism for setting off the chain of events that almost resulted in the government's defeat this month, Mr. Harper moved uncharacteristically, first by filling the Senate and then by choosing appointees with deep Conservative ties, some of them former Progressive Conservatives. It is the action, say some Tories, of a man who knows he needs to create loyalty through more than just the force of personal intimidation.

"This is a break-the-glass-in-case-of-emergency kind of thing," said one long-time Conservative. "The hammer has shattered the glass."

Until yesterday, Mr. Harper had steadfastly maintained that he would only appoint senators in rare circumstances. The chamber, he said, was to be elected and he wouldn't enlarge it, save for the appointment of individuals like Alberta senate reformer Bert Brown or Michael Fortier, who was put in to fill a Quebec cabinet post.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081223.wsenateanalysis23/BNStory/Front

Seems like the Liberals aren't the only ones in turmoil.

And why the Quebec bashing?
Well if some are to be believed.


Liberal tactics need a rethink
Rob Mitchell was a senior aide to former premier Ernie Eves.
Conservative operatives were stunned to find they smashed all previous fundraising records in the days following the announcement of the coalition. To their surprise, the majority of donations came from Ontario. The results of the telephone solicitations were staggering, particularly the night of the Harper-Dion national television address.

http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/557582