Thank you for pointing out the rising participation since 2000. I hadn't seen those numbers, and I find it impressive.

My next question is, where's the pay-off? Firstly, in terms of identifiable better outcomes for SUN voters; and secondly (and circularly) in terms of better results for the left?

I'm not being facetious : I seem to remember that the registration/voting drive for Kerry in 2004 backfired (insofar as a majority of those new voters actually voted for Bush).

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}