I got the chance to listen to a good discussion on a potential “308 riding” strategy for the Liberals over the weekend at Western Caucus in Saskatchewan. This isn’t a Liberal party policy – just a proposal from a member, but it’s certainly worth taking a look at and discussing.

In Other News…

While his move to Europe has allowed me to learn a lot more about southwestern French municipal school board elections, it has meant less Canadian political blogging from Paul Wells. But, never fear, Hansard is still accessible from Blackberries around the globe and Paul digs up some old gems from the Alliance of days gone by in this post.

Also, I’m thinking of making up a list of reasons Ed Stelmach is my favourite Premier ever. When it’s done, I’ll be sure to include “muses about whatever is on his mind” to that. Back when he was Transport Minister, Ed thought it would be fun to float the idea of changing the fast lane on Alberta highways to the right lane. As you might imagine, he got a bit of flack for it. In Sunday’s Rick Bell column, Ed starts musing about next year’s budget (wow – even Paul Martin never leaked budget info this far in advance). While there is sometimes value to floating a trial balloon, when you do it with every thought that pops into your head, eventually you start to look like you’re flip-flopping, eventually you start to look indecisive, and eventually you start to get criticized for trial balloons you rightfully realize are dumb ideas (see: highway fast lane example above).

Finally, the news is from last week, but probably worth reposting: Gary Merasty is quitting his northern Saskatchewan seat. Unlike a lot of the veteran Liberals who have announced they won’t be running again, this one actually is a big loss since Merasty was more than simply the trivia answer to “who is Saskatchewan’s other Liberal MP”; He was a young up-and-commer with deep connections in his riding. Expect the by election for his seat to be very hotly contested.