Kevin Rudd and Therese Rein attempt to woo Bob Katter to support Labor by Michael Madigan From: The Courier-Mail September 06, 2010 12:00AM Increase Text SizeDecrease Text SizePrintEmail Share
Add to DiggAdd to del.icio.usAdd to FacebookAdd to KwoffAdd to MyspaceAdd to NewsvineWhat are these? DYNAMIC DUO:

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd and wife Therese Rein have mounted a charm offensive to win over Independent MP Bob Katter. Source: Herald Sun
THERESE Rein, the wife of former prime minister Kevin Rudd, has joined her husband in a meeting to woo Independent Bob Katter to save the government that ditched Mr Rudd as leader.
Mr Katter told The Courier-Mail he remains torn between supporting Labor or the Coalition to form government and has spent hours in recent days with Mr Rudd who has emerged as a passionate advocate for Labor.

Mr Katter said he could not say which side he would support and was not certain a decision would be available today.

"I am locked in right where I was from the start," Mr Katter said.

"This is about the very survival of the people I represent.

"I'm just lining up both offers, and trying to do the best for the people of Kennedy."

The indecision comes amid speculation Independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor are leaning towards Labor, which needs just two more MPs on side to achieve the 76-seat majority to attain government.

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Mr Oakeshott said it could be Wednesday before he would be able to announce a decision.

Mr Katter said he and Mr Rudd had spent hours talking about old times when Mr Rudd was chief of staff to Wayne Goss and Mr Katter was a state Opposition MP.

"It hasn't all been work, there have been a few war stories," he said.

"Even Therese has been there.

"But I have been quite genuinely surprised at the intensity of (Mr Rudd)."

The tension of the past 16 days of indecision is taking its toll.

Mr Katter fell asleep on his office couch yesterday afternoon after an exhaustive round of weekend meetings and said he had only had one full night's sleep since last month's poll.

He also admitted he was getting frustrated with media intrusion and constant speculation about which way he would vote.

Too much opera and not enough soap?

aussiefree2ride wrote on Sep 6^th, 2010 at 7:35am:

Too much opera and not enough soap?

if I was Rudd I too would be doing the same things... whats in it for Rudd "Foreign Minister" and a chance to get his own back...lol..gillard will be looking over more than one shoulder the whole time..ha.ha..

as for these independents if they cant make a decision after all this time   again.. god help us all... who ever heard of Kennedy.. who really cares about Kennedy.. its time Katter realised if he is to be in this position.. the Fed Govt isnt all about Kenedy!!!!. shame on these 3 guys...the rest of us voted for election promises not back room deals.. this whole thing is shameful

aussiefree2ride wrote on Sep 6^th, 2010 at 7:35am:

Too much opera and not enough soap?

Soap is bad for the environment apparently. Save the environment and stink  :o

Samantha Brady is scheming again and Lucas Roberts is getting frustrated. ;D

you can see it all now... Rudd personally wins the support of the independants to form govt and challenges Gillard for the leadership and wins.

you cuoldnt script a more incredible - yet plausible scenario!

longweekend58 wrote on Sep 6^th, 2010 at 6:58pm:

you can see it all now... Rudd personally wins the support of the independants to form govt and challenges Gillard for the leadership and wins. you cuoldnt script a more incredible - yet plausible scenario!

That would be sooooo funny, in a sick sort of a way.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Sep 6^th, 2010 at 7:01pm:

longweekend58 wrote on Sep 6th, 2010 at 6:58pm: you can see it all now... Rudd personally wins the support of the independants to form govt and challenges Gillard for the leadership and wins. you cuoldnt script a more incredible - yet plausible scenario! That would be sooooo funny, in a sick sort of a way.

Im sure it is in Rudd's mind. Even if it is along shot, it would cement his position and totally destroy Gillard. and for a man whose ego is enormous, it just HAS to sound like a delectable outcome!

longweekend58 wrote on Sep 6^th, 2010 at 7:20pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Sep 6th, 2010 at 7:01pm: longweekend58 wrote on Sep 6th, 2010 at 6:58pm: you can see it all now... Rudd personally wins the support of the independants to form govt and challenges Gillard for the leadership and wins. you cuoldnt script a more incredible - yet plausible scenario! That would be sooooo funny, in a sick sort of a way. Im sure it is in Rudd's mind. Even if it is along shot, it would cement his position and totally destroy Gillard. and for a man whose ego is enormous, it just HAS to sound like a delectable outcome!

And then the riots started.