Four candidates are now in the running for the federal seat of Hume.
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Though the election is not likely until well into the second half of next year, candidates are already working hard for votes.
Angus Taylor was the first cab off the rank, having been pre-selected for the Liberal Party in May and recently opening his campaign office in Goulburn.
Taking up the Liberal Party reigns in Hume from the long-serving Alby Schultz, who is retiring, Angus has a good start on the rest of the field and is easily the favourite this far out.
As covered in the Tribune, National member James Harker-Mortlock joined the field this week, deciding to run counter to a Coalition agreement not to run an endorsed National Party candidate against Taylor.
It is likely he will face expulsion from the Nationals for taking this radical step. Whether he can sustain a campaign over the long haul under these conditions is yet to be seen.
Bruce Nicholson
Tahmoor resident Bruce Nicholson, a self-confessed ‘Joe Blow’, also added his name to the mix this week, when he announced his endorsed candidacy for Katter's Australia Party.
The 56-year-old grandfather of six says he is about as average a bloke as you could possibly find. He's been a labourer, worked in hospitality and now looks after foster children.
Up until a few months ago he had never been a member of a registered political party. However, after years of dissolution with parliamentarians and what he sees as bad economic and social policies, which have sold out the Australian people, he decided it was time to do something about it.
He has spent the past few months engaging with policy. He has also been monitoring the race for Hume and when he was asked to stand for his party, he felt he had a duty to do so.
"If your part of the silent majority, you are part of the problem," Nicholson said.
"If you're not standing up and saying enough, you're the reason it's happening."
When it comes to taking on Angus Taylor, Nicholson hopes to give him a run for his money.
"If people want a politician who is just like the rest vote for him but if people want somebody who is going to jump up and down and scream on their behalf, I'm their man..." he said.
Adrian Van Der Byl
Meanwhile, Christian Democrat candidate Adrian van Der Byl announced he'd be taking another tilt at Hume a few months ago.
Recently he unveiled his policy platform.
He believes families are the "foundation of the nation". He is staunchly opposed to gay marriage, euthanasia and abortion, arguing the government should cease Medicare funding for abortions and provide "pro-life counselling" and ultrasounds.
When it comes to education, Van Der Byl believes Australia must retain its "Judeo-Christian ethics" in childcare and education, while reaffirming "Christian heritage" in schools.
He is also pro-Israel and wants to see border security ramped up. He wants the government to increase "legal immigration" with an emphasis on granting asylum to "Christian refugees".
He also supports the repealing of the Carbon Tax.
With thanks to the Goulburn Post.