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Indeed, Ford was a valuable asset for the Conservatives in last year’s federal win.

He was considered key to helping the party increase its seat count in the Greater Toronto Area, most notably around his home riding in Etobicoke. Carmichael was among the MPs he supported. He recorded automated calls for two others, both of whom ended up winning.

Bernard Trottier, who bested then-Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff in the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, shrugged off the role Ford played in his win.

“I think the Liberals defeated themselves, practically,” Trottier said.

He said he continues to support Ford’s agenda, though hasn’t spoken to him since his latest troubles.

Those behind the lawsuit that could ultimately prove the mayor’s downfall have long had it in for Ford, backroom Conservatives say, and he’ll continue to have their support since he’s on the right side of a fight between the right and the left.

Some MPs scoffed at the fact Ford could be kicked out of office for what they described as charity work.

“I think the penalty was a bit of overkill for the action,” said Costas Menegakis, the Conservative MP for Richmond Hill.

“He was, after all, trying to raise money for kids to play football, he had no personal benefit for it. I hope he is successful in his appeal.”

The legal action was launched by a local businessman who argued Ford broke the rules when he took part in a Toronto city council vote over whether he should pay back $3,150 he solicited for his private football foundation using official city letterhead.