Why is it that I feel like we are living a warped version of a Seinfeld episode? Even the "show about nothing" couldn't have scripted the goings on in Winnipeg courtesy of one Glen Murray. Just to recap: Glen Murray is running for federal politics, he doesn't resign the Mayor's chair, claims he will resign just prior to the writ being dropped, goes on the radio and says he was asked not to resign, the City of Winnipeg Clerk's Office hastily issues a statement they are asking the province to make the appropriate changes to the City of Winnipeg Charter to delay by- elections until the fall because voters are not capable of distinguishing between federal and municipal politics. Confused? So was I.

Until it came to a crashing halt when Premier Gary Doer said he wanted nothing to do with any of it, and Glen finally resigned.

But how is it that one man's ego can take such a long trip that it even reaches the far corners of Parliament Hill? Simple answer - this is Murray's magical mystery tour to Ottawa. To hear Mr. Murray wax philosophically about his commitment to Winnipeg is about as sincere as PM Paul Martin telling Canadians he wants to fix our democratic deficit. Unfortunately for Mr. Martin's Liberals, Glen Murray is beginning his campaign with a serious credibility deficit.

Every time a politician has sought to trade up from one office to another, the CTF has called for their resignation. In the past, Cabinet Ministers have used taxpayer-funded resources on the leadership trail. Under the Federal Elections Act, all candidates are governed by spending limits. Had Murray continued to stay on as Mayor, Winnipeggers could be on the hook for promoting Glen Murray the candidate . . . as opposed to Glen Murray, mayor of Winnipeg.

For months Murray tangoed with reporters, telling them that he was staying right where he was - he had no team, no organization and no plans other than getting a "new deal" for Winnipeg. In the meantime he has spent millions of dollars on a toilet, public consultations, street parties and beefing up staff at City Hall. How can anyone in his or her right mind honestly believe that Murray is trustworthy? Not to mention how irresponsible it would have been for him not to quit, potentially leaving one of the largest cities in the Confederation without a democratically elected mayor for months. Murray was elected to run a city not go on an extended political leave of absence.

Aside from Murray's complete lack of regard for the democratic process and accountability, his actions only further public distrust of government and cynicism toward the entire institution of Parliament. Too many people already believe that one's motive for being a Member of Parliament are influence, power, single-interest devotion, and even ego. Indeed, the opportunities that are inherent in the privilege to represent one's own constituents through election as a Member of Parliament are unique.

Murray's choice to leap frog to another level of government further erodes public confidence in our democratic institutions.

It does, however, almost seem appropriate that Murray is running for the Liberals, after all this is a government that has for years been drowning in scandal.