The veteran MP won the Federal seat of Paterson again with about 53 per cent of first preferences as of 9.30pm Saturday. But Labor candidate Bay Marshall wasn’t far behind with around 30 per cent of the votes.

Overall seven candidates stood for the election but Mr Baldwin’s popularity proved to be too strong for the others in the race.

Mr Baldwin has been the member for Paterson since 2001.

8pm: Paterson MP Bob Baldwin looks set to increase his hold on the seat with an early swing of 3.3 per cent.

Mr Baldwin, who has held the seat since 2001, greeted volunteers at his Raymond Terrace campaign office at 7.30.

PROFILE: The electorate of Paterson, (yes, named after Australian Poet Banjo Paterson) covers an area of around 6,652 square kilometres, extending from Raymond Terrace in the south the Greater Taree local government area in the North and west to the dividing range. East Maitland, Tuncurry, Medowie, Nelson Bay, Hawks Nest, Dungog, Forster and Bulahdelah are some of the main towns in the area. Timber, beef , dairy, sawmilling, fishing and oyster farming along with tourism are some of the industries the electorate is best known for.

Margin: Liberal MP Bob Baldwin has held the seat since 2001 with a margin of 5.3 per cent. The area over the years has switched between Liberal and Labor since the first proclaimed election.

CANDIDATES:

Anna Balfour – Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group): Ms Balfour has told The Newcastle Herald she is committed to the well-being of her constituents in the issues that affect their lives, communities and the environment - including saying no to coal seam gas until proven not to be harmful to public health and to the environment.

Jayson Geoffrey Packett – Palmer United Party: Mr Packett is a Maitland businessman and has served on local council committees. He says it’s time for a fresh approach to politics in Australia and is proud to work with Clive Palmer to bring that change.

Peter J Davis - Citizens Electoral Council: Mr Davis is from Nelson Bay and has worked in the transport and construction industries. He said he believes passionately in a Sovereign Australia governed for the common good of the people and the CEC's three Proven Positive Policies.

Bob Holz - Rise up Australia Party: Mr Holz has told the Newcastle Herald he wants to keep  Australia Australian, a "multi-ethnic" Australia, many races but "one culture", one law. He said he supports Australian farmers and producers and wants to see a decrease in foreign imports of fruit and vegetables into our country, increasing Australian farmers' share of the agricultural market.

John Brown – The Greens: Mr Brown is a freelance journalist and was and was the Greens' candidate for Maitland in the last state election. He was born and raised in Cessnock and has served on Maitland Council. Mr Brown said his main issue of the electorate is coal seam gas and believes if left unopposed, coal seam gas mining would lead to the destruction of our farmland and drinking water.

Bay Marshall – Labor: The former teacher told The Newcastle Herald he believes education is extremely important to individuals and Labor’s plan provides increased funding for over six years.He says health infrastructure has also been well funded by Labor.

Bob Baldwin – Liberal: Mr Baldwin is the current MP for Paterson and has held the seat since 2001. He was first elected in 1996 but lost the 1998 election before making his triumphant return