LNP Senate ticket is ripe with factional intrigue as battle for third spot heats up
A TREE-LOPPER and “salt of the earth bloke” is shaping up as a dark horse to take the third, tough-but-winnable spot on the LNP Senate ticket at preselections on Friday.
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A TREE-LOPPER and “salt of the earth bloke” is shaping up as a dark horse to take the third, tough-but-winnable spot on the LNP Senate ticket at preselections on Friday.
In an innovative internal campaign, long-time party member Brad Carswell sent preselectors a quirky video featuring him up a tree cutting branches and in a boardroom overlooking the city.
But his campaign has gained steam and seen surprise support rising around the political newcomer, who describes himself as one of “Howard’s Battlers”.
“Howard’s Battlers, they’re an integral part of our support base, but we’re now at risk of losing their support.
“How do I know? Because I’m one of them,” Carswell said in the video.
But he is no certainty for the third spot, with tough campaigner Teresa Harding also being talked about.
LNP veteran Ian Macdonald remains under threat, with Paul Scarr shaping up as a potential favourite to win the top spot, while former Newman Government Minister Scott Emerson is also aiming for the top of the ticket.
Senator Macdonald is understood to have strong support in the north, and is considered an experienced performer, but critics say he will be 80 years old by the end of another Senate term.
Mr Scarr was a strong performer at the previous preselection and has continued to do well – but is seen as a moderate, which has conservatives cautious.
Senator Barry O’Sullivan is also facing a challenge from Super Butcher managing director and Nationals royalty Susan McDonald for the second Senate spot.
Other candidates vying for the six Senate ticket spots included Gerard Rennick, Nationals Women’s Federal Council president Theresa Craig, Fiona Gaske and Nicole Tobin.
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