NSW: Bradfield may test Liberal's climate change stance

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2009
NSW: Bradfield may test Liberal's climate change stance

Tomorrow's federal by-election in former opposition leader BRENDAN NELSON'S blue-ribbon
Sydney seat is now seen as a litmus test for new Liberal leader TONY ABBOTT and his stance
on climate change.

It was supposed to be a cake walk for PAUL FLETCHER .. but the former Optus executive's
ascension as MP for Bradfield has become less certain in recent days.

Along with the Higgins by-election in Victoria .. caused by the departure of former
treasurer PETER COSTELLO .. a Bradfield by-election win was considered a fait accompli
for the Liberal Party.

But there's now doubt about how voters will react to the Liberal infighting .. a change
in leader .. and the rejection of the government's emissions trading scheme.

With Labor not fielding a candidate in Bradfield .. the contest has boiled down to
one between the Liberals and the Greens .. but with 22 candidates on the ballot paper
.. Bradfield voters will be spoilt for choice tomorrow.

AAP RTV ab/evt/psm/

KEYWORD: BRADFIELD (SYDNEY)

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