FEDERAL Member for Barker Tony Pasin has dismissed speculation he is one of three people who have lodged nominations for preselection for the seat of Mount Gambier.
His comments follow speculation Mr Pasin may have been considering switching from federal politics to the state level.
The Liberal Party is now searching for a candidate for next year’s state election following the resignation of Troy Bell from its ranks.
“While I am flattered people are talking about me in a positive light, I can tell you I have not nominated for the seat of Mount Gambier,” Mr Pasin told The Border Watch.
He said he wanted to categorically dispel this rumour given the Coalition Government held onto power with just a one seat majority.
“I want to make it clear that I would never put in jeopardy the Coalition Government,” Mr Pasin said.
He revealed the Liberal Party candidate review committee met yesterday to consider a number of people who have nominated for preselection.
While these names have not been publicly released, The Border Watch understands they include Mingbool grazier Tony Beck and Mount Gambier realtor Craig Marsh.
The name of the third candidate is yet to be confirmed.
Mr Pasin said the candidates needed to be endorsed before they could run for preselection, which was expected to be completed yesterday.
The federal MP foreshadowed he would take part in the looming candidate plebiscite of more than 100 Mount Gambier branch members.
“I will be making myself present on the day to cast my vote,” Mr Pasin said.
“My vote carries no more weight than any other member of the Mount Gambier Liberal Party branch.”
He described the process as a robust democratic process.
He said he expected the preselection campaign by the candidates would now be under way.
