"Harper is not in tune with his caucus, having marginalized moderates like Stronach and Peter MacKay, who went public with his own misgivings about an early election the same day, May 4, as his then-girlfriend did. Not one but three erstwhile contenders for the Alliance or Conservative leadership Keith Martin, Scott Brison and Stronach have been driven into the Grit fold."

...a few dissenters, and Harper is not "in tune" with his caucus? No one drove Keith Martin, Scott Brison and Belinda Stronach into the Grit fold. The aforementioned were simply "out of tune" with the Conservative party, and they left willingly. Period. :\