There is tremendous pressure mounting for Stephane Dion to pass a no-confidence vote in the Harper government once parliament resumes next week. Yet there's also almost equal pressure NOT to. The Liberals remain static in the polls, and by any stretch the election would be a gamble.

But the other day I read a good editorial by my pal Adam. He said it doesn't really matter if an election is in the LIBERALS' best interest, what matters is whether an election is in Mr. Dion's best interest. As a weak and increasingly criticized leader, a "trial by fire" might be just the thing he needs to solidify his personal power in the party.