Reason to deal

While Joan Bryden's article includes two contrasting alternatives as to the potential effect of the Cons' latest set of scandals (including the charges against key campaign figures), I'd think this is the more relevant point:

(T)he spectre of his party and its top officials being dragged into court — their first court date is March 18, just four days before the budget is expected to be introduced — may induce Harper to try a little harder to satisfy Layton.

As NDP MP Pat Martin colourfully put it: "This could have a chill on election fever if they know that their campaign strategy might lead them to the hoosegow."

Until the latest set of controversies, there didn't seem to be any indication that the Cons were even seriously considering looking for common ground on the budget. But their calculations may change if they see a public narrative developing that would be too damaging if they succeed in forcing an election - and that figures to at least slightly increase the chances of avoiding a trip to the polls which otherwise looks inevitable.