On lost support

It shouldn't be much surprise that a government which is actively trying to mimic both Brian Mulroney in both his political coalition and governing tactics would earn the ire of those who left the Progressive Conservatives in disgust over the same strategies. And today one of Harper's former Reform party-mates delivers a scathing critique of the Cons' abandonment of democratic ideals:

With his other attempts at political reform blocked in the Senate, fixed election dates could have been Harper's enduring legacy -- a change in the system. Instead, he will be remembered as an opportunistic, masterful tactician who, in the course of only three years completely purged the Conservative party of its Reform ideals and restored the Mulroney model of government. The concepts of popular control of the party from the grassroots, open government, MPs representing their constituents and fiscal responsibility, were replaced, early on, with total control from the PMO and the broadcast seeding of public funds in vote-rich areas.

Defiance of an inconvenient electoral law is the cherry on the sundae. As we used to say in the halcyon days of Reform, "Liberal, Tory, same old story."

A few days ago, I had a call from a nice Conservative party lady asking for a donation to help fight the election. I responded with a polite, but firm "no" and I expect that many old Reformers will do the same.

This election will mark the first time in more than 50 years that I won't be supporting a small "c" conservative party. So much for the new way of doing politics in Ottawa.

For now, Harper may not be all that concerned about losing a single former colleague and supporter - particularly with current polls suggesting that his patronage politics have produced more gains than losses.

But one of the most obvious weak points in the current Con coalition has always been the potential for former Reformers to decide once again that they're not prepared to put up with dishonest top-down politics. And if those looking for a change from the "same old story" put their efforts behind the party which is offering just that, then it may not be long before Harper's legacy also comes to match Mulroney's in seeing his party decisively booted to the curb.