South Australian Liberal nominations for
the next federal campaign close tomorrow – with one name conspicuous by its
absence.

Sitting members in Grey and Makin are
standing down. The Libs want to win back Adelaide and
Hindmarsh, lost in 2004. And there’s plenty of public speculation about a
challenge to Patrick Secker in the safe seat of Barker .

It’s the perfect time for an ambitious
wannabe to throw their hat into the ring. Yet little is being heard from
Alexander Downer’s high profile adviser Chris Kenny.

There’s been some speculation he might have
a go at Adelaide – but local Libs were sketchy on the details this morning. More senior sources suggested that Kenny
would wait until his boss leaves Mayo and then go – raising interesting
questions of timing.

If Kenny’s prepared to wait, that suggests
Downer doesn’t intend to stay in the seat he’s held since 1984 for too much
longer. Informed sources tell Crikey that Downer’s
plans depend on what happens with the Liberal deputy leadership.

And now there’s plenty of interest in what
this morning’s news may mean.