Nationals senator Perin Davey wins preselection battle
Senator Perin Davey has claimed victory over two other candidates at a Nationals preselection after supporters of each hopeful hit the phones to drum up support.
NSW
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Senator Perin Davey has survived a preselection challenge with the National deputy leader beating her two rivals for preselection.
Senator Davey was fighting for her political survival on Friday morning, and emerged the victor over Federal Secretary Juliana McArthur and university professor and scientist David Lamb.
Davey was recently in the spotlight for appearing to be under the influence of alcohol while appearing at a Senate estimates hearing.
The Coalition frontbencher, who admitted to having two wines before the incident, blamed a medical incident for her appearance while declaring she had not been inebriated.
About 90 preselectors had registered to vote on Friday, with a Nationals source forecasting a close race, with supporters for each candidate hitting the phones on Thirsday night in a bid to secure last-minute votes.
Each candidate was given 10 minutes to deliver a speech on why they should win, before facing questions from the floor.
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