10 August 2004

Chris Fletcher Calls On Bruce Hucker To Withdraw As Mayoral Candidate

"Authoritative poll results released today show that I am the only serious challenger to incumbent Mayor John Banks. I call on Bruce Hucker to step aside from the Mayoral contest to ensure that Banks can be ousted," said former Mayor Chris Fletcher, who is seeking re-election to the Auckland Mayoralty.

The poll, undertaken independently by Reid Research Services Ltd, showed Banks on 32.2% of the vote, Chris Fletcher close behind on 25.6% , and Bruce Hucker a distant third on 14.6%.

"More significantly, the poll shows that if Bruce Hucker were to stand aside, I would lead Banks by two percentage points. On this basis, Bruce Hucker has to consider withdrawing from the race, in the interests of getting rid of Banks," she said. "A vote for Bruce Hucker is a vote for Banks."

Chris said that the poll result showed that there was very strong base support for her in that the poll was undertaken before her hoardings went up over the city, and before any widespread leafleting or advertising of her candidacy.

"Bruce Hucker has had the advantage of three years as leader of the opposition group on the Council, and has had ample opportunity to demonstrate his leadership and standing as a serious Mayoral contender in this role,” Chris said.

“That he has not been able to capitalise on this should tell him that he should focus his energies on winning his Council seat and to pull out of the Mayoral race."

She said that Banks has been playing up Bruce Hucker's candidacy as a serious threat because he knows the importance of splitting the opposition vote. "Banks knows that he can beat Hucker. Banks also knows that he will lose to me. It's now critical that Hucker realises that he cannot beat Banks, and withdraws now".

ENDS

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