Annie Linskey covers state politics and government for The Baltimore Sun . Previously, as a City Hall reporter, she wrote about the corruption trial of Mayor Sheila Dixon and kept a close eye on city spending.

LIKE many politicians, Kevin Rudd had a charisma bypass. But it was unreasonable to stab him in the back. Et tu, mate? Hopefully, his replacement, the formidable Julia Gillard, has not accepted a poisoned chalice.

After an awkward and often ugly breakup, the couple have reconnected and hope to wed later this summer.