Cunctator

Emerson seems like a pretty sleazy character. But, with so many of Mulroney's old timers around Harper, what did you expect. Its the old way of politics being pushed onto Harper who, possibly, is a little overwhelmed with his position and has lost his judgement. That aside, I agree with what Argus said at the outset. We vote for the MP, not the party, so Emerson is free to do what he wants. When the next election comes, the electors in his riding are also free to get rid of him -- and, in my opinion, thaty wouldn't be a bad thing to do.