Lorck hits back at Lusk's claim she can't win Tukituki

Anna Lorck, the Labour Party candidate for Tukituki is hitting back at claims by political strategist Simon Lusk that she has little chance of winning.

Labour's Tukituki candidate, Anna Lorck, has accused her potential National Party opponent, Lawrence Yule, of having controversial political strategist Simon Lusk on his side.

In a Talking Point yesterday Mr Lusk said he believed National would win the Tukituki seat, which Mr Yule has put his name forward for. Mr Lusk said Mr Yule had a positive profile while Ms Lorck had a polarising profile.

Ms Lorck accused Mr Lusk of being tied to the National Party candidacy bid by Hastings Mayor Yule and said he was speaking because Mr Yule could not during the selection process.

Ms Lorck said people had a right to know that "supporting Lawrence Yule is a pay cheque for Simon Lusk".

However, both Mr Lusk and Mr Yule deny Mr Lusk is involved in any way.

Lusk told Hawke's Bay Today he had not been involved in any general election campaign since 2008.

In his book, Nicky Hager accused Mr Lusk and Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater of employing dirty politics such as manipulating candidate selection by abusing and deriding opponents on the blog.

Mr Lusk said last week that while it was not "impossible" that Ms Lorck could beat Mr Yule, one of a rumoured four chasing the nomination upon the retirement of National MP Foss, it was "highly unlikely" and he restated the case yesterday, talking of the 6490 majority held by Mr Foss at the 2014 election.

Ms Lorck said Mr Foss turned around Labour's 2002 majority of 6410 to win in 2005.
"That's a difference of only 80 votes," she said. "If he can do it, I can do it."

Ms Lorck said: "Simon Lusk doesn't wade into things, he follows money."

Mr Lusk responded by saying Ms Lorck was "deluded" and denied being funded in any campaign linked to this year's election.

Mr Yule said Mr Lusk had "never worked for me" and, although limited by National Party rules during the candidate process, said he didn't expect Mr Lusk to be part of the team if he did become the candidate.

Ms Lorck said: "Of course Lawrence can't say anything but Simon Lusk can - and is.
"Lawrence can deny his association with Simon Lusk until he's blue in the face ... I don't personally dislike Lawrence but I will hold him to account," she said.

"All I want is to do my very best, standing up for the people of Hastings and Tukituki, working hard for them, earning their trust and confidence and the privilege to be their new local MP.

"People can keep attacking me and try to cut me down for speaking my mind but at least people know where I stand.

"I want people to vote for me because they believe in me, not just if they like me," Ms Lorck said.