When news hit the streets last week that former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer was given a $500 fine for careless driving after initially being charged with drunk driving and cocaine possession, the political world went a little nutty. The Toronto Star, citing sources, reported that the more serious charges were dropped against Mr. Jaffer because an inexperienced OPP officer had failed to follow proper procedures when the officer strip-searched Mr. Jaffer and prosecutors decided the evidence would be open to a challenge. Opposition critics cried foul. Even some Tory spinners cried foul. Opposition party critics said it had the appearance of preferential treatment because Mr. Jaffer is a former federal legislator and married to junior Cabinet minister Helena Guergis.

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