Lawrence Martin on Stephen Harper's secret weapon. And it's... Peter MacKay!

"Mr. MacKay is the most charismatic card the new party possesses.... He gives it credibility on the East Coast... He gives it a more centrist appeal... As one of the most telegenic politicians in Ottawa, he gives it youth and sex appeal... Lastly, as the former leader of the Progressive Conservatives, Mr. MacKay energizes and motivates the old Tory rank and file..." "At the recent Conservative convention, Mr. MacKay was a star performer, almost stealing the show from the contenders themselves. With his infectious smile and air of confidence he is a made-for-television guy. He's got that young and cocky look that carries over to the Commons chamber, where he is a piercing and forceful performer."

If I didn't know better, I'd say Larry was suffering from something of a schoolgirl crush....