I think Layton said he would not force the election but if the Conservatives did, he would back them.

He tried to make a couple of education and health care deals with the Liberals but the Liberals didn't buy it. Layton can go either way, whoever offers the best deals. The NDP will never be elected so their only power is in making deals. They are in a good position to do that and are making the best of it.

No deal? O.K. Lets have an election.