AS the federal election campaign continues, some Nationals have turned their attention to preselection for the state seat of Orange.
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With a byelection expected in August or September to replace resigned MP Andrew Gee while he pursues the federal seat of Calare, The Nationals will hold their preselection on July 24.
Duncan Brakell was the latest candidate to be endorsed in Forbes, beating fellow contender and Orange councillor Scott Munro by one vote.
However, Cr Munro was subsequently successful in gaining endorsement from the party's head office.
“Duncan and I both agreed it wasn’t that important – [endorsement] really makes no difference, the preselection is the most important thing,” Cr Munro said.
“But [the number of candidates] is good, it shows that we’re healthy.”
Nationals staffer Scott Barrett and Cabonne councillor Janelle Culverson were endorsed by the Parkes and Orange branches respectively in recent weeks.
Cr Munro anticipated there would be a lot of phone calls and mailouts in the near future.
“I think everyone's working hard now,” he said.
“It's a matter of trying to develop a little bit of policy and working out what you can do a little bit better.”
Not running a candidate was discussed at an early stage, but we decided if you don't have a go, you'll never, never know.
- Orange Country Labor branch president Bernard Fitzsimon
Meanwhile, Country Labor's preselection discussions are on hold until after the federal election.
However, Orange branch president Bernard Fitzsimon confirmed the party was committed to run a candidate.
“Not running a candidate was discussed at an early stage, but we decided if you don't have a go, you'll never, never know,” he said.
Central West Greens convener David Mallard said nominations for The Greens’ preselection would close next week, to be finalised after the federal poll.
“By the middle of July, I'm certain we'll have a candidate,” he said.