http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/15089895/thomson-letter-was-a-mistake-corm...

Liberal frontbencher Mathias Cormann has admitted he made a mistake in sending a letter to Craig Thomson, asking the suspended Labor MP to support the coalition in parliament.

The letter, outlining proposed amendments to government legislation making changes to superannuation arrangements, was sent to all crossbenchers.

Senator Cormann asked the MPs to "seriously consider" the issues raised by the coalition and said they are "worthy of your support".

The request was at odds with the stance of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott who has said the coalition will not accept Mr Thomson's vote in parliament.

"It was my mistake," Senator Cormann told ABC Radio on Thursday.

"I should never have written to him."

Mr Thomson's name would be taken off a database of crossbench MPs used by his office, Senator Cormann said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Mr Abbott had his team "out there canvassing" for Mr Thomson's vote.

"It's a clear example of double standards," she told reporters in Canberra.

Liberal senator Gary Humphries said it was entirely understandable that a mistake was made.

"Is anyone really seriously suggesting that he (Senator Cormann) was actually going to go out there and solicit the vote of Craig Thomson?" he told reporters.

"I very much doubt it."

Opposition Senate leader Eric Abetz said in a choice between a conspiracy and a stuff-up, it was usually the latter.

"Senator Cormann has acknowledged that," he said.

"For the journalist who tried to say there was a secret attempt to woo Craig Thomson's vote, I would say get a life."

It was an accident and something that should not have occurred, Senator Abetz said.

"We all make those sort of mistakes in life."

Senator Abetz suggested it was Mr Thomson who leaked the letter, showing he was still in cahoots with Labor and seeking to give them every bit of ammunition he possibly could.

"They are saving his political skin so he feels obliged to save their political skin," he said.

Not going to work today then?

SOB