While it will undoubtedly be burried in the Stronach coverage, Harper is actually playing the budget votes the right way. The CPC will support the budget in its pre-Buzz form (which includes the Atlantic Accord), but will not support the result of Liberal-NDP shenanigans.

There is now no reason for Paul Martin to let Jack Layton drive the budget bus, because with CPC support, he can get his original budget passed. If Martin insists on forcing the NDP amendments through, the Conservatives can knock them down - and let Martin wear the consequences.

If anyone - anyone - important in the CPC is reading this, please repeat the following until it sinks in: The original budget can pass, with CPC support. Paul Martin does not need to let Jack Layton hijack the budget. If he does, it is on his own head.

More later.