Candidates running for the Legislative Council seat of Rosevears have promoted their independence and environmental credentials in response to news Jo Palmer would enter the race for the Liberal Party.
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Independent candidate and City of Launceston Councillor Janie Finlay said voters she spoke to wanted someone elected to hold the state government to account.
"The Legislative Council is a house of review and people want it to remain independent," she said.
"That's actually an issue for them."
Councillor Finlay said as an independent, she could be persistent and apply public pressure to the government by asking tough questions.
"When you're not a member of a party, you're free to do that in the best interests of Rosevears and Tasmania," she said.
According to Cr Finlay, the Tamar River was a key issue for residents in the seat of Rosevears.
"Over the next five to 10 years half a billion dollars has been committed to works on the Tamar River," she said.
"The biggest challenge for that will be accountability and ensuring that people stay true to their promises.
"Our community have been fatigued for decades about promises on the river."
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Greens candidate Jack Davenport said he believed Rosevears voters were focused on the future.
"We think the people of Rosevears are more interested in what their representative will do once in Parliament than what they have done before," he said in reference to Ms Palmer's television career.
"Unlike the major parties, our vision for Tasmania is not corrupted by the toxic influence of secret donations from vested interests."
Rosevears voters are due to go to the polls in May to elect a replacement for independent MLC Kerry Finch who is retiring after 18 years in the position.
