Nationals candidate for Bendigo pushes to swing safe Labor seat at federal election
The publican is the first candidate in nine years to represent the Nationals in the electorate and, according to his political opponents, boasts an estimated $1 million in campaign funding.
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The Bendigo electorate has been held by Labor since 1998 and is considered a safe seat.
Lisa Chesters was elected in 2013 and has grown the margin to 11.2 per cent.
The electorate stretches north to the flood-ravaged town of Rochester, west to Carisbrook and south to the Macedon Ranges.
It is a well-populated region.
'Tidal wave' of cash?
In the growing city of Bendigo Mr Lethlean's face adorns billboards, roving utes, homes and businesses.
Ms Chesters said there was a "tidal wave" of money behind the Nationals campaign, but the party has declined to put a figure on spending.
"I've just got a passion that the region's been left behind," Mr Lethlean told
"
We've got some massive support from businesses, locals, individuals that have put in money.
"
Several vehicles are driving around Bendigo to advertise Mr Lethlean's campaign.
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ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert
)
A focus of the campaign is
Ms Chesters has been far less visible and has at times played catch-up and matched Coalition election pledges.
She has accused the Nationals of playing "Trumpian" politics and been angered by
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'Exhausting' contest
Deakin University senior lecturer Geoffrey Robinson said it was unlikely Labor would lose the seat.
"The National Party's appeal is very much restricted to more traditionally rural cities," he said.
"Where Bendigo's identity is more going back to the goldfields, it is more similar to a mini-Melbourne.
"
I expect Labor's margin will shrink a bit though.
"
Mr Littleproud has visited the electorate three times during the campaign, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to make an appearance.
"I don't think Labor is concerned about losing the seat," Dr Robinson said.
Greg Bickley came close to beating Ms Chesters in 2013.
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ABC News: Terri-Anne Kinglsey
)
Greg Bickley ran in Bendigo for the Liberal Party in 2013 and said it was an "exhausting" experience.
He beat Ms Chesters by 2,872 votes in the primary ballot but lost on preferences.
"The challenge is that the sitting member has a budget for advertising, while candidates don't get paid for their time to campaign — you do that of your own accord," Mr Bickley said.
"It's a costly exercise personally, financially and sometimes socially."
Mark Slattery says Mr Lethlean may have a shot at victory.
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ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert
)
'In with a chance'
As Labor voter Mark Slattery speaks to the ABC, a ute drives past pulling a trailer with a huge Andrew Lethlean sign and two Australian flags.
"He's everywhere," Mr Slattery said.
"He's in with a chance, I reckon."
Nicole Pratt says she has only seen Labor's candidate on social media.
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ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert
)
Nicole Pratt said Ms Chesters was all but invisible compared to Mr Lethlean.
"He's everywhere, out and about in the community," she said.
"It's definitely a difference to others, like Lisa Chesters … I haven't seen her at all this election."
Ms Chesters increased her margin at the last federal election.
(
ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert
)
Ms Chesters told the ABC she was trying to be respectful to voters.
"I've been out there doorknocking, I've been out there doing my listening posts," she said.
"
I've been respectful and not bombarded people with a tidal wave of advertising.
"
Mr Lethlean has been hitting the campaign trail hard.
(
ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert
)
Mr Lethlean is positioning himself as an affable businessman who will balance the books.
That pitch was damaged somewhat by revelations his pub
Ms Chesters has been pushing the party line of stability.
A Nationals spokesperson said the party was coming from "a long way back" as the "underdogs" but there was strong belief in Mr Lethlean.
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