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It seems there’s only one way Premier Jim Prentice won’t hold an election this spring — if the lieutenant-governor refuses to let him.

The thought appeals to Liberal Leader David Swann.

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“He’s the kind of guy who might just do that,” Swann says, referring to Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell. “He’s got nothing to lose. I might give him a call.”

Swann is joking, maybe. Such thoughts are the stuff of opposition politicians’ dreams, which are just about all they have to console themselves these days.

This reverie runs as follows: Prentice goes to Ethell on about March 30, seeking permission for an election on April 27.

The premier explains that he needs an immediate election, despite his huge majority, to get a mandate for tough economic measures. People have the right to vote on his budget, he says.

The lieutenant-governor responds: “Thanks, Jim, but you’ve got a law that says the election won’t be held until the spring of 2016. Your reasons for an exception aren’t so good. Go back to work.”