On uneven playing fields

Nancy is understandably concerned about different rules applying to the NDP's leadership race in 2012 than the Libs' in 2013. But it's worth pointing out that there are gaps going in both directions: in particular, the Libs will also get the benefit of some amendments in the new campaign financing legislation - notably the ability for donors to contribute up to the individual limit each year, rather than only once in the leadership campaign - that won't be enjoyed by the NDP's contestants. (And all this as Tim Uppal exhorts the NDP to comply voluntarily with the restrictions contained in the new bill without enjoying its benefits.)

Which is to say that the real reason for suspicion isn't so much the effect of the amendment on any one party's race as it is the Cons' choice to apply different rules to their different competitors' leadership contests. And hopefully the NDP and Libs can keep that concern in mind in dealing with the legislation, rather than allowing the Cons to use the bill to encourage fights among the opposition parties.