Mr. Smith is out of Washington…with a six figure severance package, despite leaving his posting early by his own choosing. Man, I would totally be gunning for that job if it wasn’t for the fact that you need to be a Tory Cabinet Minister to get it.

Also out is Minister of Finance Lyle Oberg (AKA Skeletor), after feuding with Stelmach for most of 2007.

Possibly in, however, is Craig Chandler ally David Crutcher who has announced his intention to run for the Calgary Egmont nomination his buddy was DQ’d from:

After last week’s ruling, Chandler denounced the party and accused it of intolerance toward people of faith.

Crutcher said he shares Chandler’s belief system, and that’s why he’s testing the democracy waters with his nomination bid.

But he wants the party’s affirmation up front that it will accept his candidacy, so that he isn’t saddled with the bills of a rejected bid.

Chandler says he plans to sue the Alberta Progressive Conservatives for the $127,000 he claims he spent on his campaign to secure the party’s nomination.

“What I don’t want to do is go through the same thing that Craig Chandler did, where he put a lot of time and money into winning a nomination only to be told he can’t run,” Crutcher said.

A spokesman for the premier said nominations are a party matter and declined comment.

Advil, Ed?