However, that’s exactly what the opinion polls suggest will happen at tomorrow’s state election.

We’re not so sure.

The current Victorian government has had some significant challenges, not the least a change in the premiership halfway through its term.

But Premier Denis Napthine has brought a new enthusiasm to a Coalition which clearly struggled with governance after more than a decade in the political wilderness.

Dr Napthine has staked his pitch for re-election on trust, on building the East-West Link and on capturing regional Victorian seats by funding major infrastructure improvements.

We expect he will be rewarded by reclaiming seats in the Ballarat and, potentially, Geelong regions.

Whether it will be enough to offset government losses in Melbourne will determine the state result.

Labor Leader Daniel Andrews has also pitched on the East-West Link – defiant that his party will not build it.

The $6 billion project is big picture and big cost and can address traffic problems in Melbourne, and for those entering from the state’s west.

Mr Andrews is also pledging to restore the TAFE system, which has suffered funding restructures under the Coalition and to fix Victoria’s ambulance service pay stalemate.

What we have in Victoria at this election is a clear difference in direction and attitudes of the two major parties seeking a mandate from the Victorian public.

Many have already made up their minds, with record numbers of pre-poll votes.

If anything can be learned from the dysfunction of the current parliament it is that a clear majority in the lower house will provide better government. 

The safety provided by an upper house which challenges bad policy and legislation will likely be of great consequence, with the potential for the Greens or a minor party candidate to hold the balance of power.

From a Ballarat perspective, the increased focus on our region during this campaign is welcomed. 

No matter who wins tomorrow, there remains a need for our city to remain at the forefront of the state political discussion well beyond next week, next month and next year.