An orderly McKew is the key to victory

Jennifer Sexton's article in the Bulletin of 7/08 gives us a good picture of what looks to be a tough battle for the seat of Bennelong. I personally find the prospect of Howard's racism finally coming back to bite him a delicious prospect. With his infamous comments on Asian immigration in 1988 now echoed by his government's appalling treatment of Haneef, Howard can expect at best a backlash from his many Asian-born constituents and their families.

At worst, he could lose a seat once considered unwinnable by Labor.

His opponent, Maxine McKew seems intent on winning over voters one at a time - attempting to charm her way to parliament. This informal approach is her strategy for getting people to listen. Will they listen? Perhaps; but as with Rudd, it's more about her being a professional, uncontroversial alternative to Howard, rather than an inspiration to voters.

McKew's personable, smooth manner has been perfected after many years as a successful journalist. Though her campaign hasn't been perfect, she knows more than enough about politics to avoid the sort of situations which might dog any other political novices.

Whoever gave her the moniker of 'sexiest woman on television' obviously knows nothing about Mary Kostakidis. However, there are few people less sexy than John Winston Howard at the moment (or, arguably, ever) and unless she gives voters a reason NOT to choose her, the people of Bennelong might just find McKew attractive enough to give her the edge.