Rudd in trouble

Punters are usually very good when it comes to tipping elections. If that's the case, we are starting to see the slide of the government. Albeit still at long odds, maybe Rudd is a little on the nose.

I won't be joining those who consider Abbott to be a good bet, though.

Here's the latest from Sportingbet Australia:

PUNTERS SAY RUDD GOVERNMENT IN FOR A FIGHT

Punters have moved with today’s Newspoll, getting behind the opposition of Tony Abbott as the figures show this parliamentary season will be no cakewalk for the Rudd Government.

The Opposition have shortened from $4.25 into $4.00 in Sportingbet Australia’s federal election market following today’s polling which shows the Coalition edging ahead in the primary vote 41-40.

While Kevin Rudd’s Government retains an election-winning lead of four points in two-party preferred, their slide from a ten-point lead has seen them drift in betting from $1.20 out to $1.25.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Tony Abbott’s pugilistic style seems to have cut through on complex issues like emissions trading, where the Government is having trouble articulating its policies.

“In boxing, leading with your chin is always a dangerous strategy, but Tony Abbott has made a career out of it – and punters get it,” said Mr Sullivan.

“This is the first time since the 2007 election when we have been taking more bets on the Coalition than the Government.

“In this session of parliament I think we’ll see the government on the back foot for the first time in three years and that could well see the Coalition’s odds trim up further.”

AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION
Sportingbet Australia Market
Labor $1.25
Coalition $4.00