I have read this last discussion with interest... Chaz you do seem like a thoughtful person - I really hope that your chosen candidate does whatever you want him to do... but I'm guessing that he/she probably wont... Most of the "other" candidates have to vote along party lines... no one really cares what their personal opinion is, its called Party discipline. Sometimes the coalition can "cross the floor" on a conscience vote, labor aren't permitted such luxury - to cross the floor and vote with the opposition is political suicide. But thats just my observation and understanding of the caucus system... I can stand corrected.
I know Shane personally and I know he will always try and do the right thing of course in line with his own belief system and after calculating the effects of his actions on others. But that doesn't mean that he will always do what everyone else including you want him to do. Anyway the argument is largely academic the chances of him actually winning the seat are astronomical given the fact that there are no preference flows in this seat.
What we are trying to do here is not win the seat but get enough votes to send Beattie a message that the fishing vote counts, thats why it is important - if you live in the electorate to vote for Shane. A vote for Shane sends Beattie the message that he cant take the fishing public for granted, that he has to pull up his socks and be responsible to the people and not his own agendas. Its not about how Shane will or wont represent your interests, its all about the message.
Chaz through all the discussion, there is still one thing to be established: Do you live inside the Cleveland electorate? If yes PM Shane your address and he can send you some flyers with further info. If not then you cant vote for him regardless of how well suited he is to satisfying your representational needs.
Just my 2 and a half cents