She is a known quantity with vast political experience and, with Goulburn MP Pru Goward's surprise resignation last year, apparently had the jump on the lesser-known Wendy Tuckerman.

Internal polling by both Liberal and Labor was painting a Labor victory.

While anything can still happen, a Labor win is very unlikely at this stage.

Why is it so, as the professor would ask.

A storm of circumstances have whipped up a new normal in state and federal politics. It's one that outgoing Liberal MP Pru Goward says she hasn't seen before. Campaigning at Goulburn's Wesley Centre on Saturday, she was struck by the number of people who would only take the One Nation how-to-vote cards.

"It's 'a pox on both your houses'," she told ABC television on Saturday night, explaining the message from voters to major parties. 

By late Saturday, it was clear that preferences were going all over the shop. Not even Labor could count on Shooters, Fishers and Farmers' preferences, despite being placed second on their how-to-vote card. In other words, these voters were steering clear of the major parties.

People are obviously disillusioned and perhaps sick of the big promises that don't necessarily deliver for everyone.

But do the minor parties really have the answers? One Nation is a growing force, but is light on practical, achievable outcomes. The SFF is more broad-based these days. Candidate Andy Wood (pictured) appealed to voters with his reasoned policies.

All of this diluted the major parties' vote.

That said, Mrs Tuckerman still managed a strong vote in Goulburn where Dr Stephens was expected to whoop it in.

Put this down to rusted-on Liberal voters, but overall, perhaps we should all get used to "a new normal".

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