True to his word, Premier Danny Williams is ratcheting up his ABC campaign... Anyone But Conservatives. While federal and provincial governments have their disagreements, outside of the PQ in Quebec I don't recall another time in recent memory when there has been so much open anger between a premier and the Prime Minister.

A majority government for Stephen Harper would be one of the most negative political events in Canadian history. Progressive Conservative Premier Danny Williams

What makes the story even more interesting is that, on the surface, both the Premier and Prime Minister are on the same political side as both are "conservatives". Yet despite the superficial similarity there are profound differences. The Conservative Party of Canada that Stephen Harper leads is nothing like any current provincial Progressive Conservative party nor is it like the federal Progressive Conservative Party of Canada when it was sold down the river by Peter "I am not the merger candidate" MacKay. The CPC under Harper's leadership is much farther to the right in profound ways.

It would be instructive for Premier Williams to expand on this difference.

Harper dangerous even with another minority government: Williams (Sept. 10 2008, CBC)

ABC campaign having effect, Conservatives admit - The Conservatives held three of Newfoundland and Labrador's seven seats when Parliament was dissolved this week. However, two veteran MPs — Norm Doyle and Loyola Hearn — are retiring, and local Conservative organizers have admitted Williams's "anything but Conservative" campaign has made it difficult to attract candidates in the province.

Williams has garnered the support of all but one member of his 44-member Progressive Conservative caucus to campaign against Conservative candidates in the federal election.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is a true "progressive conservative", a rare breed these days. I recommend reading the entire speech by Premier Williams to St. John’s Board of Trade, September 10, 2008. Its interesting in its entirety and is not all about Harper. A few selected extracts:

And make no mistake – you won’t hear Stephen Harper admit he may win a majority government because he is terrified that people might stop and actually start to think about the consequences.

Well, I beg you all today. Stop. Think. And decide if that is what this country deserves? When we vote, I would rather that we stand on the solid ground of principles than on the shaky ground of broken promises. If you believe the country deserves better, you know what to do. It is as easy as ABC.

Elsewhere:

May export anti-Conservative campaign to other provinces: Williams (Sept. 11, CBC)

Election surprise: Danny Williams and a backlash against frat-boy ads (Sept. 10, The Georgia Straight)