It may be the greatest gift your race has ever received.

"I'm surprised at the attention that our local race is receiving all over the world," he wrote in an E-mail message.

The race received significant attention in local media and political blogs, not least for the extensive use of negative campaigning from both sides.

The race has received widespread attention in part because of the huge spending.

The 2006 mayoral race received special consideration because no other elections were held on that day.

Both races received national attention and money, and spending on each side exceeded $2 million.

The main race the Stawell gift is over 120m and the winner receives $40, 000.

"Turnout will be larger because of all the attention this race has received," he said.

Bailey knows that the faster he runs, the more scrutiny his races will receive.

Each old race received at least one new unit, sometimes several.