Compare and contrast

The delegate count from this year's Saskatchewan NDP convention, which was far too broadly spun as one reflecting declining party membership and enthusiasm:

Party finances, organization, leadership and reconnecting with rural Saskatchewan are on the agenda for the approximately 700 delegates who are expected as the convention continues during the weekend in Regina.

The delegate count from this weekend's Sask Party convention, spun as representing the glorious ascendancy of King Brad I:

At the largest convention in the Sask. Party's 11-year history with more than 500 delegates...

Now, it's probably true that the NDP needs to rely on more in-province support since (unlike the Sask Party) it can't count on being bankrolled from Alberta.

That said, it's striking that even at its apparent peak, the Sask Party still can't muster enough support within the province to match the NDP's delegate count. And if even the most favourable set of circumstances imaginable on taking power hasn't been enough to enable Wall to build much of a party within the province, then a resurgence in 2011 would seem to be well within reach for the NDP.