Alex Antic's bid for Liberal Party leadership reaches critical juncture

A significant internal battle is brewing within the South Australian Liberal Party as Senator Alex Antic vies for the position of state president. His candidacy has polarized the party, with some moderates expressing despair and others on the conservative wing seeing it as a crucial opportunity.

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It's at the stage now where all roads you'd have to think are leading to federal intervention.

Antic, known for his conservative views and alignment with One Nation, is seen by his supporters as a potential savior for a party that has suffered consecutive state election defeats. They argue his leadership would signal to disillusioned voters that the Liberal Party remains a conservative force, capable of reclaiming lost ground. This perspective suggests his presidency is a referendum on the party's identity.

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Alex Antic signals to those people it's okay to come home.

Conversely, moderate factions within the party are deeply concerned, with some suggesting the situation could necessitate federal intervention, similar to what occurred in New South Wales. They fear Antic's influence could further alienate centrist voters and undermine the party's broader appeal. The party's federal leader, Angus Taylor, and state leader, Ashton Hurn, have faced difficulties managing Antic's public statements, which have at times aligned closely with One Nation's positions, complicating the Liberal Party's messaging against their right-wing rivals.

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Alex Antic running for president is effectively a referendum on whether the Liberal Party is a conservative party.