Harper’s Tories Afraid to Face the Music?

According to this story in the Toronto Star, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is considering calling an election in early September.

[An] official in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office said it appears the opposition parties are not interested in finding the "common ground" the Tories feel is necessary to go ahead with the fall sitting of the House of Commons on Sept. 15.

This is clearly an excuse.  Harper is “leading” a minority government.  All past minority governments have compromised and made deals to keep their government viable.  But Harper refuses to do that.  He won’t compromise. So, if anyone is not interested in finding a “common ground” its him.  Additionally, Harper is facing some tough times.  There’s a couple of scandals brewing (regarding some electoral financial impropriety) and some strong public opposition to his copyright reform, as well as opposition to other policies.

If Harper calls an election before the House sits, its pretty clear that he’s trying to avoid facing the music.  He doesn’t want the scandal brought up in the house.  He doesn’t want to face actually losing a vote in the House.  He’s already starting to fall in Canadian support, so…why not call the election before he falls any lower?  Maybe that way he can fool Canadians into thinking none of these things (scandal, losing votes in the house, etc) were even going to happen.