John McCain is in Ottawa today paying homage to his kindred spirits - the Conservative Party minority government of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his minions -  on a campaign trip paid entirely by the McCain campaign.

But serious questions are being raised about the role of U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who appears to have become personally engaged in partisan politics in arranging and promoting McCain's appearance.

(I haven't seen this diaried anywhere else here -- if it has, I'd be happy to remove this posting).

"Let me simply say to anyone who wants to question what I have been saying, beginning with (Conservative Leader) Stephen Harper, that I am the Prime Minister of this country, that our position on climate change will be determined by the government of Canada, that the fact is that we do expect our partners to honour their agreements --and I will defend Canada. Period."

This is Prime Minister Paul Martin's response to US Ambassador David Wilkins' accusation that Canadian pols are using "anti-American rhetoric" to score points in the run-up to the Jan. 23 Election.

More below.