Here’s something to make pinko cyclists cringe: “Doug Ford for Premier”

He is seen as a huge asset to the mayor, who has avoided the media spotlight while his big brother steps forward to push their smaller-government, do-more-with-less agenda.

But Conservative insiders say Ford — whose late father, Doug Ford, Sr., was a Tory MPP for the old riding of Etobicoke-Humber from 1995 to 1999 — is enjoying his newfound political influence.

Indeed, Ford is even noodling the idea of eventually running for the leadership of the provincial Tories—and even if he never gets to be premier, becoming a cabinet minister in Hudak’s hypothetical government would mean that family dinners at the Ford clan would include one “His Worship” and one “the Honourable.”

For Hudak, there’s an obvious appeal to having Ford in the Progressive Conservative party. He would have a solid chance of winning his seat, giving the Tories a coveted seat in the 416. (Ford memorably called his ward “Ford country,” adding “Rob could commit murder on the steps of city hall and they would still vote for him.”) We’d certainly put Doug Ford’s odds higher than Rocco Rossi’s in Eglinton-Lawrence.

It’s a pretty sudden rise for someone who has been alternating between Toronto and Chicago since the Ford’s printing company opened its Chicago plant in 1999. Apparently, concerns that politicians are “just visiting” are applicable only to Liberals who make the mistake of teaching at Harvard.

• Will Doug Ford join provincial Tories? [Toronto Star] • Mayor’s right hand Doug Ford hints at bid for Ontario Tories [Globe and Mail] • Doug Ford eyed by provincial Tories? [Toronto Sun]