Bronwyn Bishop is trying to turn her perceived weakness into a strength, telling Liberal Party preselectors that she understands the "significance of seniors" and can deliver for older Australians if she stays in Parliament.
Amid gathering talk inside the party that her support in Mackellar is collapsing, Mrs Bishop, 73, has posted out a glossy pamphlet to the 96 preselectors who will decide her fate.
"It is a fact, without support of the over 65 demographic, we cannot retain government," according to the brochure passed to Fairfax Media.
It warns that the federal election could be "only a matter of weeks away" and Mrs Bishop's "experience and track record" is more important than ever.
"Make no mistake, the next election will be a contested battle of ideas and Bronwyn Bishop as an experienced campaigner will add to the national campaign, bringing her understanding of the issues that confront the nation, especially with the senior demographic
"Bronwyn understands the significance of seniors, not only to our nation, but also to our political success. Seniors make up 22 per cent of voters in Australia which gives them a powerful voice at the ballot box."
Fairfax Media revealed in January that Dick Smith will consider running against Mrs Bishop if she retains preselection in Mackellar, in part because he believes the area needs a younger representative in Canberra.
Mrs Bishop's letter to preselectors warns against a change.
"Being part of the national debate is not for the faint-hearted and it is important we have the capacity to take the fight to our political opponents. Campaigning, raising campaign funds and identifying election issues are Bronwyn's strengths," it says.
She also told supporters over Christmas drinks that her experience was needed in fighting the terror threat.
Sources on both the right and the left of the Liberal Party believe Mrs Bishop's support is crashing.
The right believes some of her former support base is swinging in behind Walter Villatora, the candidate backed by former prime minister Tony Abbott.
On one estimate from the right, Mrs Bishop has less than 25 votes and Mr Villatora and Jason Falinski, who has the backing of powerbroker Michael Photios, are both ahead.
Mrs Bishop's camp said they remain confident.
She will have a small headstart with four of her own staff members granted a vote in the crucial preselection run-off for the blue ribbon seat.
