OK not really. At least not yet. But don't tell that to anyone who lives along the lengthy stretch of the Trans-Canada between Ottawa and Dryden, Ont.

The three converted passenger buses that transport reporters, camera crews, campaign staff and Harper himself around Ontario and Quebec had spent the past three days driving from Ottawa to Dryden, Ont.

Thing is, they were empty — save the drivers — because Harper et al were flying into Dryden today, but would need the buses once they got there.

"So," says the curious reporter to the friendly bus driver, "with the buses all decked out in Tory blue and the words "Harper" and "Conservative" emblazoned across all of them — what happens when you drive through all the towns between here and Ottawa? They must think the PM's come for a visit."

"Oh sure — people all come out, stand there smiling and wave at the buses, looking for him," he said.

If they only knew.

On the other hand, if a Harper visit to a town is worth even a few votes, he must've picked up more than handful this past weekend without even breaking a sweat.

— Paul Hunter