All the way with the USA!
"At a time of immense security and economic challenges, above all the nation needs at the helm a team ... who have a clear view of what they believe in and what they stand or." — Prime Menzies John Howard announcing the calling of the November 10 federal election.
Don't mention the 'w' word I
"This election campaign is about jobs, security, health, education and taking pressure off families affected by the GST, by removing some of items from the GST." — Labor "Opposition" leader Kim Beazley.
Don't mention the 'w' word II
"Increasingly, voters in Australia recognise the Australian Democrats are the real opposition, we're the real opposition to the government." — Democrats leader Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja.
On the money
"For markets, the election is unlikely to have any major impact... The policy differences between the Coalition and Labor minimal." — AMP Henderson Global Investors' chief economist Dr Shane Oliver.