Beattie Wins again

Weathering a maelstrome of water and health crises, Peter Beattie has been resoundingly returned as the Premier of QLD, with nearly 70% of the vote. Many people though there would be a protest vote - which never arose. Surveys prior the the election were indicating that people didn't think Beattie deserved to win, but the Coalition just deserved it less - although this may be the normal "we don't trust Pollie's" sentiments being expressed.

Actually, I saw the defeat speech of Bruce Flegg - the Liberal opposition leader. No wonder they lost. He was not confident speaking on his feet, he was unengaging to listen to, and didn't really seem to be speaking from the heart. Admittedly, I haven't seen Lawrence Springborg's speech (Springborg was the Nationals leader), although he left the campaign trail part way through, when his father-in-law passed away. But Flegg must have really damaged the coalitions chances. He bumbled his way through the campaign, stuffing up answers to questions like who would be premier if they won (him or Springborg)... etc. EVen last night, he thanked this three kids. He had to be reminded that he actually had 4.

So, it should be interesting to see how other state elections pan out. Is it a case of encumbancy being an insurmountable advantage? Is it just that there is no talent in the state Liberal parties? And what (if any) implications does this have for the Federal election?