INDI independent Cathy McGowan will find remaining tight-lipped about her plans for the 2016 poll is not a long-term option.
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She may be waiting for confirmation of the Liberal candidate for the seat, rather than jumping the gun in expecting former MP Sophie Mirabella will get the gig at next month’s preselection.
But waiting to confirm her plans is certainly putting her in the firing line of those Liberals and supporters seeking to diminish her standing and give the Libs a boost.
Should an early election be called, there is also the danger of being caught flat-footed.
Why is McGowan remaining non-committal about her plans?
The expectation among her supporters is that Ms McGowan will stand for Indi; taking the seat in 2013 was only the first part, albeit unexpected, of a bid to change politics in the region and make Indi marginal.
If Ms McGowan decides not to run, and this seems unlikely, there will be widespread disappointment at what would be seen as a job half done.
Surrendering the independently-held seat to the major parties means the changes won’t be realised and the opportunity may never come again.
