Loud cheers erupted from Andrew Woodward's house at the news that Tony Abbott had lost his seat.
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The small crowd of friends, neighbours and supporters gathered at his home in Bellingen were all well aware that Mr Woodward was Labor's candidate for Warringah in 2016, running against Tony Abbott.
After all, he still has the placard to prove it, and was waving it about jubilantly.
However, within 10 minutes the mood was more sombre, as figures came through indicating that the National Party looked likely to retain Cowper.
Mr Woodward said it was unfortunate that Independent Rob Oakeshott had skewed the campaign into being about himself rather than about the issues.
"Before Rob came onto the scene, we were talking about youth unemployment, we were talking about the environment, we were talking about the bypass and inequality in the area.
"But once Rob came along that all went out the door and we were talking about Rob."
On the question of whether we would wake up with a Coalition or a Labor prime minister, Mr Woodward said the night was still young.
"I remain confident overall," he said.