Bennelong pays out :)

The former PM concedes his seat to Maxine. Australia becomes a better place.
Pic from smh.com.au

Date	Description	Wagered
05/09/2007 04:28	Single O/0095416/0000001, Accepted , Decided Bennelong (NSW), MCKEW, Ma... @ 2.40 (To Win) Paid: 11.38	AUD 4.74

Scott wins on The Rodent's defeat. Beers on me tomorrow. Enjoy oblivion, Mr Howard.

Howard under pressure after poll setback

By Kathy Marks in Sydney

Published: 18 September 2007

John Howard, the embattled Australian Prime Minister, was under intense pressure to consider his future last night as opinion polls predicted a crushing defeat for his conservative coalition in the forthcoming election. Mr Howard is the country's second-longest-serving premier, with four election victories under his belt over the past 11 years. But the polls and the public mood indicate that Australians have had enough of him.

For the full story, click here.

You goin down, Johnny

I just remembered that I had an account with Centrebet. Logged on, and with the AUD 4.74 I had available to play with I bet that Maxine McKew will win Bennelong. With odds currently of 7/5, I stand to collect $11.37 on election day.

The Rodent has still got the edge with the bookies. He'd pay$7.11 for the same stake.

The potential tragedy for John Howard

By Michael Field:

"To understand why John Howard could become a figure of tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, his life story needs to be understood. The Liberal Party has been John Howard’s life. He joined the party about the time of his eighteenth birthday in 1957, and so he will have his 50th anniversary this year. The best indication of his commitment and that of his mother was an action taken by them in 1968 when he was still living at home. Howard was endorsed as the candidate for the state seat of Drummoyne. In order to enhance his chances, his mother sold the family home in Earlwood and rented a house with him at Five Dock, a suburb within the electorate. When his bid failed, John Howard and his mother returned to Earlwood, moving together to a house in the very same street that he grew up in.........."

Read the full article on Tasmanian Times