http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-05/palmer-eyes-kennedy-and-fairfax/4110880Palmer may challenge for Katter's seat
Mining magnate Clive Palmer is targeting the Queensland seats of Kennedy and Fairfax in his push for a place in federal parliament.
The prospect of a rout against Labor has sparked a preselection gold rush in the state, and Mr Palmer is among the prime prospectors.
He has revealed he may seek Liberal National Party preselection in Kennedy, which is currently held by independent MP Bob Katter.
"I'd like to stand in a seat where the people know me and I know them, where we've got a long history," he told Lateline from Tahiti.
He says he is not too worried about challenging an MP like Mr Katter, who has held the seat for almost 20 years.
"I've got a strong commitment to the people of North Queensland. In many polls they've had me as the most popular Queenslander," he said.
"Bob Katter's fought a very tough campaign. He's nearing 70 years of age now and I'm sure he's ready to move on.
"It's a challenge of ideas. It's about bringing Bob Katter's ideas to the forefront and letting the people decide."
He is also considering the seat of Fairfax.
That seat is held by Liberal Alex Somlyay, who is not seeking re-election.
He had previously planned to run against Treasurer Wayne Swan in the seat of Lilley, but says he was knocked back.
He says any reports that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is against his plans are news to him.
"I know that Tony Abbott's said some things about door-knocking being important, and it is," he said.
"I've door-knocked on more than 4 million doors since 1969 and if he needs help, I'm happy to go down to Sydney to help him door-knock his electorate."
Those comments come after Mr Abbott took a thinly veiled swipe at Mr Palmer, saying that being an MP is a full-time job.
"If you are going to be a candidate, you've got to be prepared to do the hard yards of door-knocking, you've got to be there first thing every morning at the bus stops and the railway stations," Mr Abbott said.
Mr Abbott also warned the billionaire that one of the pre-conditions for candidacy is support for all party policies.
Mr Palmer has been a vocal critic of Liberal policies including offshore processing of asylum seekers.
But Mr Palmer has hit back, arguing that the fundamental Liberal tradition is to vote with your conscience.
"I'm prepared to influence the national debate. I've been a member of the Liberals a lot longer than Tony Abbott has been," he said.
"I've been to a lot more conferences than he has been, and I've participated in much more policy.
"He knows that, and I'm sure he will take my advice on certain things."
The rhetoric is not the first sign of tension between Mr Palmer and Mr Abbott.
Last month, Mr Palmer admitted he had a swearing match with Mr Abbott over his push to ban lobbyists from the Liberal executive.
But despite their clashes, Mr Palmer says he will be able to work with Mr Abbott if he is elected to parliament.
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