OTTAWA - A young Stephen Harper was first swept into the House of Commons back in 1993 on a wave of often idealistic western populism that, among other things, demanded a Senate that was "equal, effective and elected."... In the economic and fiscal statement that prompted the current political crisis in Ottawa, the Conservatives proposed doing away with public subsidies of political parties because, as they said, politicians had to do their bit to cut costs in tough economic times.

Hill and Knowlton, a fairly well-connected public relations and lobbying firm, announced two new hires today: Ian Brodie, whose last job was Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Harper, and David Collenette, the longtime Liberal cabinet minister. Brodie, the release from H&K points out, will not be doing any lobbying, as per the Federal Accountability Act. Collenette is free from any such lobbying restrictions . . .