Tim Dunlop has an article on Alexander Downer mentioning that he might go into state politics. I think that would be a good thing. Australia does not have enough vertical movement, up or down, between state and national politics. The other issue is that the Liberal party is electorally moribund at the state level and Downer would add instant authority to any state election.

Australian state politics has seen three Premiers leave while firmly entrenched in power. ICAC kind of followed Carr out, but Bracks and Beattie left with most of their reputations intact.

In American politics a successful Governorship is the first step in a Presidential run. The current presidential candidates includes former Governors such as Romney, Huckabee and Richardson, as well as a former city mayor. This is a good method of gaining executive experience in state politics before transitioning to the national executive.

I have always been surprised that Australia, or more accurately Westminster Government, has so little vertical movement between the state/provinces and national parliament. There was Joh's attempt at federal politics but he was a disgraced entity by then.

I recall former NSW Premier, John Fahey, joining national politics, but I can recall feeling that his authority was compromised and diminished as he had to follow the talking points of the national party leader. I think this is why it is seen more in the US system as the former Governors don't have to come under legislative or shadow-cabinet party discipline. Their executive authority remains intact.

I suspect Downer will have an easier run of it if he does go from the national stage to the state stage. Especially if he leaves national politics willingly or through a lost election where he leaves as a cabinet minister.

I hope it happens as I would like to see more vertical political movement in Australian politics.