Norm ColemanNorm Coleman is giving the keynote speech at the Conservative Heartland Leadership Conference, which began in St. Louis today. The two-day conference features such hard-right luminaries as Phyllis Schlafly, Rush Limbaugh’s brother and Grover Norquist. Does the endorsement of Coleman — who’s always tried to project himself as a moderate — suggest a shift in the former Democrat’s plans? Kyle at Right Wing Watch notes, “I have to say that, in the six years that Norm Coleman was in the Senate, I don’t ever recall him showing up at right-wing events and hob-nobbing with grassroots activists. But times have changed apparently.”

But changed to what? Is he cozying up to the Republican base, as opposed to Minnesota voters who trend to the center, now that his Senate bid seems to be winding down? Angling for a party job?