Tony Abbott has described media mogul Rupert Murdoch as an Australian "hometown hero".



Mr Murdoch - whose papers have vociferously attacked PM Kevin Rudd throughout the campaign - is now a US citizen.



But Mr Abbott says he regards him as an Australian.



"I've got a lot of time for Rupert Murdoch, because whether you like his papers or don't like his papers, he's one of the most influential Australians of all time," he told Triple M this morning.



"I think that Aussies should... support our hometown heroes and that's what I think in his own way Rupert Murdoch is."



Mr Murdoch's papers are carrying editorials urging voters to vote for Mr Abbott this morning.