FED:Hawke sorry for McKew in Bennelong

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2010
FED:Hawke sorry for McKew in Bennelong

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - Liberal candidate John Alexander has won the NSW seat of Bennelong,
snatching back the electorate taken by Labor from former prime minister John Howard in
2007.

With 40.1 per cent of the vote counted, the Australian Electoral Commission called
the seat in Sydney for the former tennis champion and commentator.

Former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke said the swing against Ms McKew which was evident
in early counting was a disappointment.

"Quite apart from the obvious partisan feeling ... I'm very personally disappointed
for her because she was on such a high after her achievements ... so I feel very sorry
for her because she's been a good member but there's no doubt that John Alexander ran
a very strong campaign," Mr Hawke told Sky News.

Ms McKew had held the seat won in 2007 on a margin of just 1.4 per cent.

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KEYWORD: POLL10 COUNT BENNELONG 2ND UPDATE

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