In line for election day

By Ed Merrison
FERNTREE Gully MP Anne Eckstein got the luck of the draw and a possible lift to her State election hopes when she emerged as the first name on the ballot paper.
Liberal candidate Nick Wakeling was drawn fourth after Australian Greens candidate Steve Bullock and Family First’s Allister Rouse.
The ticket is rounded off by Citizen’s Electoral Council candidate Ross Russell and Adrian Dowell, who is standing for People Power.
Ms Eckstein said her position at the top of the paper “doesn’t hurt and might even help”.
“It’s certainly not everything but I’m pleased,” she said.
“I’m just focused on working hard and I don’t take anything for granted.”
Meanwhile, Mr Wakeling played down the importance of the ballot order.
“I think at the end of the day it has little impact on voting outcomes,” he said.
“The most important thing is the policies of the parties and taking into account the failures of this government.”
Mr Wakeling said he expected all candidates to fight for every vote in a tough contest.
He said anything was possible in a seat that the Opposition could capture with a swing of just 2.29 per cent since the last election.
“There is a lot of animosity against the government out in the community and you can never rest on your laurels,” he said.
Ms Eckstein said she would be working up to the last minute and talking to as many people as possible up to election day on Saturday, 25 November.
“What the people decide, the people decide and they’re always right,” she said.
In the seat of Monbulk Liberal candidate Clive Larkman took out first position while incumbent MP James Merlino came in a close second but both agree the ballot positions don’t win the election.
Mr Larkman predicts it will be an even fight for the Monbulk seat and said Mr Merlino might have a slight edge as the incumbent of the electorate.
“I think I have a 50 per cent chance of winning and I am really enjoying the race,” he said.
Mr Merlino said he can’t wait to see the outcome of the election in two weeks’ time.
“I am really enjoying the campaign and getting out there and talking to people,” he said.
“It’s a really exciting time and makes you proud to look at what you have achieved over the past four years and what challenges lie ahead.”