The race for Forrest at this election should be an interesting one when compared to previous years. Although the Liberal Party is expected to retain the seat, it is likely that there margin will be dramatically cut from it current 10.5% margin.

A poll conducted by NineMSN of 353 voters in Forrest has shown a swing of 5.4% towards Labor. It should be noted that the poll has a large margin of error of around 6%. This possible swing could be enlarged by up to 2% following the announcement of the ballot positions. Labor's Peter MacFarlane has drawn the top spot and his chances will by helped along by the donkey votes. When mixed in with the recent road funding announced by Labor for Bunbury and Mandurah the unlikely could become reality.

Independent candidate Noel Brunning has continued his highly publicised race to win Forrest. Though The Geo believes that his chances of winning the seat are next to none. His stance on Workchoices and slightly confusing stance on climate change will harm his chances. But his unwillingness to trade preferences with either major party will harm his chances much more than his view on policy. If Brunning had done a preference deal with Labor and then out polled them, Labor preferences would then flow to him. Giving him a serious chance of an upset.

Nola Marino has continued her campaign of invisibility. Nola has run an extremely unusual campaign, which has involved avoiding the media at any cost. Nola has frequently refused to participate in debated on ABC South West radio and has ignored media requests from The Geo. The obvious deficiencies aside The Liberal party is expected to win Forrest. The question is, will their choice of candidate in 2007 harm their chances in 2010 of retaining Forrest.

Ballot Position

The Australian Electoral Commission has released the official Ballot positions for the Federal Election. The Forrest Ballot is Below.