Wrapped in red

Heartbeats quickened today outside the Liberal caucus room, when MP after MP exited the room sporting red scarves.

Red scarves, one might remember, were the accessory of choice for the leadership supporters of Michael Ignatieff at the 2006 Liberal leadership convention. 

So what was this? Had another leadership battle broken out in caucus?

Sadly, for journalists who miss the old days of Liberal infighting, the red scarves are a more unifying symbol  this week. They were being sold by Liberals on Parliament Hill today to raise money for poverty -- specifically, the Ladybug Foundation, which supports charitable organizations that "touch a homeless person in the next 24 hours."

It's the brainchild of an 11-year old girl named Hannah Taylor, who is billed as Canada's youngest advocate for the homeless. Her story is here: http://www.ladybugfoundation.ca/ 

Hannah was on hand today in the Commons foyer to help promote tomorrow, Jan. 31, as the first ever "National Red Scarf Day."