Liberal hopefuls to learn fate

CARDINIA Shire mayor Garry Runge is about to learn whether his bid for a higher political stage has been successful.
Cr Runge is among several highprofile candidates seeking to represent the Liberal Party at the next state election.
Cr Runge and fellow hopefuls, including his council colleague Councillor Kate Lempriere, should know by Sunday evening who has won the right to contest the seat of Gembrook on behalf of the Liberal Party.
State Liberal Party director Julian Sheezel said delegates would meet this Sunday to make their decision.
The seat of Gembrook is held by Labor MP Tammy Lobato.
Councillors Runge and Lempriere are among half a dozen candidates for the seat.
The field also includes Victorian Equestrian Centre proprietor Ken Aldred, who is president of the Cardinia Tourism Network.
Gembrook is one of several seats identified as crucial to the Opposition’s chances of toppling the Bracks Labor Government when voters go to the polls by November, 2006.