A line of spin is born

The Hill Times previews what's sure to be the Cons' argument about the role of the Governor General just as soon as they've had the chance to install their nominee in the role:

Meanwhile, as the possibility of the Liberals winning the most seats in Parliament in the next election becomes more and more remote, many in the party are saying they are more open to the possibility of forming a coalition with the NDP.

"What they've decided to do [in the U.K.] is exactly what I think we should be doing in Canada, everyday in the House of Commons," said Mr. McGuinty. "We should be working together to make sure we put the interests of the Canadian people first above all else."

A coalition government agreement would require the consent of the Governor General, however, and there is speculation Mr. Harper will name a replacement for the current GG by July 1.

Needless to say, the proper response is that despite the unfortunate precedent set in 2008, the GG doesn't have the authority to withhold consent to a coalition government approved by the majority in the House of Commons.

But it shouldn't come as much surprise if the Cons are setting themselves up to argue otherwise. And any NDP and Lib supporters trying to lay the groundwork for a coalition will need to make sure the Cons can't once again pretend to own some presidential entitlement to stay in office after losing the confidence of the House.

(Edit: fixed wording.)