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The article discusses general elections in Australia. Incumbent prime minister John Howard was initially hesitant about seeking an unprecedented fifth term for his conservative coalition government. Howard's reticence may have led to the commanding lead that Labor Party head Kevin Rudd has in polls leading up to the November 24, 2007 election. The election may be swung in Queensland, where Howard's coalition holds a vast majority of parliament seats, but to which Rudd is a native.

The article discusses the competition for Australia's premiership. Incumbent prime minister John Howard is seeking a fifth term for his conservative government, but opinion polls show that he is far behind the opposition Labor Party, and Labor's prime minister candidate, Kevin Rudd. Howard's slipping popularity may be tied to his support of U.S. President George W. Bush and the U.S. effort in Iraq. The article also discusses Howard's hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation forum.