The Mayo by-election will prove to be a very interesting campaign. So far the Liberals and the Greens have indicated they’ll stand candidates; and Rudd has signaled the possibility that Labor won’t contest the by-election. This prompted a very school boy response from Downer (outgoing Member for Mayo) that it would be cowardly if Labor didn’t stand a candidate.
Sure there is a big swing needed for Labor to win the seat but not nearly as much as the one required to have won Gippsland. It was interesting to hear Rudd talk about the cost of running election campaigns, although I doubt the ALP is that strapped for cash as to not be able to afford standing a candidate. It would be a strange situation to see the Greens as the only viable alternative for voters in the by-election.
As with the last few by-elections held around the country-side it will be worth watching especially if a well known local independent decides to stand. That would certainly add some flair to the by-election. And it’ll be interesting to see if Iain Evans (former SA Liberal leader) will be that well known local independent to add some flair.
I do wonder though why Downer would make such a ridiculous statement about Labor being cowardly; and perhaps it’s to add some cover to a nasty, vicious pre-selection battle. It should prove to be very interesting to see how this by-election unfolds. If as expected the Liberals hold this seat it will be another boost for the flailing Liberals and the Coalition, and something to boost Nelson’s leadership.
Filed under: Campaigns, Rants & Raves, elections | Tagged: Alexander Downer, ALP, by-election, by-elections, Greens, independent, Kevin Rudd, Liberals, Mayo, politics
That’s an interesting take on why ALP is not standing a candidate. And quite a plausible one too.
Allowing Mayo to slip into temporary osbcurity provides the ALP advantages when the real battle matters in 2010/11. Passively supporting a Green candidate, at this juncture, provides a good indication of the mood of the electorate while at the same time diffusing the churlish goading of an opposition in disarray.
I think the Greens may win Mayo within a million years. But I do agree it’ll be a long time before they do; and that it’s nice to see a 2PP figure involving the Greens.
The Greens won’t win Mayo, not in a million years. Still, it’s nice to see a 2PP figure involving the Greens.
[...] The Mayo By-election The Mayo by-election will prove to be a very interesting campaign. So far the Liberals and the Greens have indicated they’ll stand candidates; and Rudd has signaled the possibility that Labor won’t contest the by-election. This prompted a very school boy response from Downer (outgoing Member for Mayo) that it would be cowardly [...] [...]
[...] The Mayo By-election The Mayo by-election will prove to be a very interesting campaign. So far the Liberals and the Greens have indicated they’ll stand candidates; and Rudd has signaled the possibility that Labor won’t contest the by-election. … [...]