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Week one of the campaign is over.

It's generally agreed that the Conservatives have had the best of it so far, pushing at Labour over its National Insurance hike.

And we've heard a little too much from "nauseating" businessmen, according to .

But what's it like on the ground for our MPs fighting to retain their seats?

Bob Russell tells me that Vince's name is like gold dust on the doorstep.

"Saint Vince is worth heaven knows how many votes for every Lib Dem MP across the country.

"He makes sense, he's reliable and he's trustworthy."

Bob, the Lib Dem MP for Colchester, believes spending cuts and when they will happen is the biggest issue this time; the scandal over MPs expenses is "non-existent" for him.

Not so for Nadine Dorries, the Mid Bedfordshire Conservative who is the subject of an investigation by .

She told me she's about to launch 'Nadine Unscripted'.

And that is?

"Public meetings across the constituency. In terms of the expenses issue, I've had a massive response."

With an 11,593 majority, I don't think she will have to worry too much, like Bob and two-thirds of the rest of the country, they're in safe seats.

Not so for Phyllis Starkey, MP for since 1997.

With the boundary changes - this seat now Milton Keynes South - she has a majority of just 1,497.

It is the Conservatives' 27th target seat this election - one they'll need to take if they are to even get close to forming the next government.

Dr Starkey is fighting for her political life in this marginal seat, which the Conservatives only need a swing of 1.5% to win.

Seats like these are where this election is going to be lost or won, and the battle for hearts and minds is being fiercely fought right now.

"It's a very marginal constituency. Voters are focused on choice. People are very engaged, they understand that they will make a difference," she told me.

I'm glad to hear it.

This is an important election with important decisions to be made - whatever they are, let's hope that people have at least thought about it.

In case you're wondering... I'm off to have some birthday cake.

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