Local Liberal branch members have been the subject of intense lobbying, with some contestants for pre-selection installing campaign managers, using professional photographers and organising meetings to try and win the candidacy.

Those wanting to contest the seat vacated by Alexander Downer when he formally resigned on Monday are:

z Iain Evans, who is currently the Member for Davenport in the State Parliament;

z Police Chief Inspector Chris Zanker, head of SAPOL's Professional Conduct Unit, who lives in Meadows and holds two degrees and is studying postgraduate law.

z Mount Compass dairy farmer, David Basham;

z Adelaide Hills based viticulturist Tim Rogers, who, as an architect, designed Darwin’s Parliament House;

z Heidi Harris a staffer for shadow Transport Minister, Duncan McFetridge who formerly worked for federal Liberal MP, Trish Draper. She lives at Ironbank and stood unsuccessfully in the State seat of Elder in 2002, losing to Transport Minister Pat Conlon;

z Mount Barker councillor and Chamber of Mines chief executive, Jason Kuchel;

z Former advisor to John Howard, Jamie Briggs;

z Matt Doman, a former staffer for Senator Nick Minchin

z Bob Day, described as a "millionaire builder businessman" who ran unsuccessfully in the Federal electorate of Makin in last year's election.

The vote to decide the Liberal candidate will be held on the July 20.