Former Casey allies now foes

Some of Nova Scotia MP Bill Casey's closest political allies are turning their backs on their former Conservative friend.

One day after the prime minister slammed the door on Casey's return to the Conservative caucus, Premier Rodney MacDonald said he will campaign for whoever runs for the partyin the next federal election. It appears that willbeCasey's opponent.

"I plan on supporting the Conservative government federally, as I have always done," MacDonald told reporters Thursday.

Just last spring, the Progressive Conservative premier said his federal cousins were reneging on a 2005 promise on offshore revenues, and he called on all Nova Scotia MPs to vote against the federal budget.

Casey did that, and was promptly kicked out of the Conservative caucus.

He said he wants to keep his job, butthat means hehas no choice but to run as an Independent in Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley in the next federal election.

Harper's comment about Casey's future in the Conservative caucus came Wednesday as he announced a new dealwith Nova Scotia thathe said would end years of bickering over offshore revenues.

Like MacDonald, Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor plans to support the Conservative candidate in Casey's riding.

"I believe in the party system and I'll be working for the Conservative candidate. I'm sorry if it doesn't sit well with Mr. Casey or whoever," Taylor said.

Some Casey supporters speak out

His cabinet colleague,Service Nova Scotia Minister Jamie Muir, is complimentary, but non-commital.

"Mr. Casey, to be quite frank right now, unless something has changed since yesterday, is the most popular MP in this province. Do I support Bill Casey? He's been an outstanding thing,and he is my MP and I'll support him as long as he is my MP," Muir said.

Only Justice Minister Murray Scott is ready to back Casey over any Conservative candidate.

"Bill's a good friend, and he's helped me on many occasions, and we've worked together and I will stand with Bill Casey," he said.

Casey was re-elected in 2006 to his fourth consecutive term. He defeated his four challengers by winning more than 50 per cent of the vote.

Scott said Casey will be tough to beat and the party may be hard pressed to find someone willing to take him on.