Three on trot for Merlino

By Casey Neill
JAMES Merlino looks certain to resist a strong Liberal Party swing to retain the seat of Monbulk for a third term, following the weekend’s State Election.
“I’d like to thank the people of Monbulk for giving me another opportunity to represent them,” he said.
But his Liberal opponent Matt Mills is refusing to concede defeat.
“I feel good,” he said.
“There’s still a bit of vote counting to do, but it’s pretty clear people in Monbulk are dissatisfied with the way things in the state are being run.”
“I haven’t lost it yet.”
With 80 per cent of the Monbulk vote counted, Mr Mills had received 43.09 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of Mr Merlino’s 36.95 per cent.
But Mr Merlino has come out on top after preferences were distributed, winning 51.68 per cent of the two candidate preferred vote to Mr Mills’ 48.32 per cent.
Greens contender Jo Tenner received 14.59 per cent of the primary vote, while the Democratic Labor Party, Family First, Country Alliance and independent candidates each attracted less than 1.6 per cent of the vote.
The result marked a swing of about 5 per cent against the ALP – compared to up to 15 per cent in surrounding areas.
“When the tide goes out, it goes out big time,” Mr Merlino said.
“So to have held out against the tide is a very good result.
“We’re a tiny red dot in a sea of blue in the eastern suburbs.”
Mr Merlino said the win was bittersweet with his party looking likely to lose government.
“At the end of the day, I’ve always held the view that voters don’t get it wrong,” he said.
“They’ve sent a message.”
He said he and other senior ALP members needed to take note and act.
“Opposition is always a tough gig,” he said.
“But that won’t stop me representing my community.”
Mr Merlino slammed Mr Mills for his campaign tactics.
“Our previous elections have been hard-fought, but they’ve been clean,” he said.
“I can’t say that in this election.
“The Liberal Party locally campaigned in a very personal and dishonest manner.”
He said if Mr Mills planned to contest the seat at the next election: “he has got four years to gain a bit of integrity and a bit of honour.”
Mr Mills refused to say whether he would try to win Monbulk again if the votes did not go his way this time …and he vehemently denied dirty tactics.
“I’d absolutely dispute that. We’ve run a clean campaign and we’ve been victim to a lot of unfair behaviour from James’ office,” he said.
“It was just your everyday, garden variety campaign.”
“I would suggest maybe James has felt the campaign was personal because he feels people are unhappy (with his representation).”