CALWELL MP Maria Vamvakinou, who will run as the ALP candidate for her seat at the next federal election, says she has been overwhelmed and humbled by a broad range of support the local ALP members have shown her in the face of a challenge from Geelong councillor Andy Richards.
But before the ALP vote on the issue, Cr Richards, who represents Geelong's Buckley Ward, withdrew his nomination on July 17.
Shortly before he withdrew, Cr Richards, who is Australian Manufacturing Workers Union's special projects officer, was criticised by a union leader.
AMWU leader Ian Jones said Cr Richards' challenge had made a "mockery" of the ALP's preselection processes and the AMWU mechanisms in place for dealing with these types of issues.
"Putting Andy Richards into the federal Parliament is the political equivalent of Caligula trying to make his horse a senator," Mr Jones said.
After hearing of Cr Richards' withdrawal, Mr Jones told the Telegraph:
"People think they are far greater than the skills they have to offer."
"He [Cr Richards] has not done any damage. Maria is held in high regard...
Richards' challenge was an affront to a decent person."
Ms Vamvakinou said:
"I'm happy his distraction is now over and intend to focus on my electorate work. Calwell is the recipient of substantial federal and state government funding through the economic stimulus package and it's my job to make sure that those investments are delivered where they're needed most.
"In Calwell, the Nation Building and Jobs Plan will deliver around 150 projects, totalling $107million, including school funding totalling $93million.
"The funding will directly support hundreds of jobs and indirectly support thousands."
Ms Vamvakinou has represented Calwell for three terms. The electorate covers 234square kilometres from Campbellfield to Diggers Rest.
Cr Richards did not respond to a request for comment by the time of going to print.
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