Will the real dissenters please stand up?

"The King of Stunts" was at it again today. That's the nickname NDP House Leader Steve Ashton has given PC Leader Brian Pallister. 

Pallister used his second question in the chamber to ask every MLA to stand if they wanted Manitobans to know all the rules surrounding the NDP leadership race as soon as they are determined. 

Every PC member — and the lone Liberal MLA — stood.

An NDP executive meeting is scheduled for Nov. 29 to hammer out the rules of a race that could unseat Premier Greg Selinger. Pallister wants to know the results immediately, while the house is still sitting.

Instead, the NDP is more likely to publicize the rules after they are approved by the Provincial Council. That's a larger governing body that next meets Dec. 6. stood. 

"Not a single NDP member stood," Pallister said finger-pointing. "Not one." 

That's right, none of the rebellious five ministers stood. Embattled MLA Christine Melnick and outspoken Clarence Pettersen remained seated as well. But that probably didn't surprise anyone. 

The Premier's counter-attack surprised me. It was the most riled up I've ever seen Greg Selinger. He brought up the largest vote rigging scandal in Manitoba history.  

Following the 1995 election, a five-month investigation by Elections Manitoba cleared the PC party of any wrongdoing, But in 1998 the accusations resurfaced when witnesses were willing to talk. By 1999, an election year, a judicial inquiry found that high-ranking Tories broke the law. 

He didn't get into all the messy details. Instead, the premier challenged the opposition to stand if they felt that was fair. He was spitting-mad when he did it. 

"Stand up now!" Selinger shouted across the chamber. No one did. 

"There ya' go," the Premier said as he reclaimed his seat amidst thunderous applause from his caucus. 

Pallister went on to call on the former ministers who spoke out against Selinger to answer for their past criticism. He called on each of them to support his motion of non-confidence and help bring down the government. 

"It's crappy," an indignant Theresa Oswald shouted back — still seated, mind you. Steve Ashton took all the "answers" for those ministers who are now back-benched. 

Ashton accused the opposition of only harping on the infighting. He joked the opposition was afraid to ask real policy questions because it was afraid of the positive answers. Several times Ashton reminded the opposition Manitoba has the second best economy in Canada. 

"I haven't heard one question about the business of the province," Ashton accused. "They are running out of steam!" 

But this day of high emotions ended the same way it began: with conversations about the NDP leadership race. Ashton and Oswald are each considered likely contenders. 

When asked by reporters after question period if he would run, Ashton said it was an "evolving situation" and he's focused on being a rookie House Leader. 

Lots can be read into what Oswald said as well. She was asked for a deadline when she will know the rules about the NDP leadership race. 

"I honestly don't have a deadline in mind when there's still so many unknowns in place for me or for anyone else that would be considering pursuing a leadership candidacy," Oswald said. 

Cheekily, Oswald said she would like to make all the rules, but will defer to the teams established.