Rann gets results he wants in SA election

At yesterday's election Mr Rann and his party achieved probably even better results than they'd hoped for. For the latest figures see here. In my seat of Norwood for example the Labor sitting member converted a narrow margin into a comfortable majority. Congratulations to them.

Some observations

- The ALP's troubles at federal level seem to have had no discernable impact on its vote in SA (and Tasmania for that matter).

- The Legislative Council results showed massive support for Nick Xenophon and his No Pokies team. They attracted 21.5% of first preference votes (160k+) and have to date gained 2.58 quotas. Compare this to ALP 36.6% of the vote (4.39 quotas), Lib 25.5% (3.06), Dems 1.7% (0.21), Family First 4.9% (0.59) and Greens 4.1% (0.41) .

Voters have passed the "keep the b***s honest"/ people's tribune baton to Mr X. It will be interesting to see whether he and whoever else ends up being elected on his ticket will be able to develop some consistent and coherent policies . Already there is some uncertainty about whether he now is a party or "third force".

- Family First didn't do quite as well as they must have hoped even though their performance was not discreditable. They may still win an upper house seat.

- The Democrats now look like a spent force. On Insiders this morning there was speculation that Natasha Stott Despoja would run as an Independent when her Senate term comes up.