WILLIAMSTOWN has been in the hands of the Labor Party for more than a century and Steve Bracks is almost guaranteed a third term as the state’s Premier and local MP.
A swing of almost 26 per cent is needed to unseat Mr Bracks, who said he did not take the seat for granted.
John Lemmon held the seat for a record of 50 years until 1954 and former premier Joan Kirner held it from 1988 to 1994.
However, Mr Bracks said he takes all of his opponents “seriously”.
“I understand that all but one are locals and will therefore have support in the community,” he said.
When it comes to local campaigning, Mr Bracks said he honestly believes locals would not want to see him campaigning on a different street corner every day.
“I think most locals understand that it is a very busy time for me because of my role,” he said.
“However, my primary responsibility has always been to the Williamstown electorate, and I trust that locals know that I always stand up for the West and make sure we get our fair share.”
About 37,000 voters take to the poll this Saturday from Altona, Brooklyn, Newport, Seaholme, Spotswood and Williamstown.
Opposition comes from Greens candidate Michael Faltermaier, Family First candidate Veronica Hayes, Independent candidate Wajde Assaf, and Liberal candidate Alan Evers-Buckland.
The only contender from the 2002 state election to run for the seat again is Mr Evers-Buckland.
Before preferences, Mr Bracks managed to hold about 19 per cent of the vote, while the Greens sat closely behind with over 10 per cent.
Williamstown resident Mr Faltermaier, 45, works as a barrister specialising in injury litigation and was a member of the Labor Party for 23 years.
“I used to think Labor was a progressive party of change but now I think it’s the party of the past,” Mr Faltermaier said.
The passionate environmentalist stands against channel deepening before it becomes a “super freeway”, wants better public transport and the resurrection of the West Gate punt.
“My aim in this election is to maximise the vote for the Greens, to create better awareness of policies and sustainable solutions,” he said.
At 24, Ms Hayes is one of he youngest first time candidates and she considers door knocking and letter boxing as “fun”.
A nurse, Ms Hayes admits her chances “aren’t good”. Supported by friends and family she hopes to snatch 2000 votes, or 4 per cent of the vote.
“I realise I’m at a disadvantage not running in the local area … but I’m planning on buying a house in Williamstown next year,” she said.
