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CHARLIE Crutchfield says he had several “heated” debates with fellow candidates over abortion and gay marriage during the election campaign. Mr Crutchfield, who ran on a platform of civil liberties for the Sex Party, noted he had won more votes than several conservative minor parties combined. “I had a few interesting debates, a few heated debates about conflicting issues,” he said. “I had quite a few debates about abortion and gay marriage, that came out quite bit. “But we got along in the end. “I must say I was quite happy to beat the conservative religious parties.” He said he was particularly against the policies of Family First. According to the Australian Electoral Commission tally on Wednesday, Mr Crtuchfield placed sixth on first preference votes with 84 per cent counted. “I got nearly 2,000 votes,” he said. “I think that speaks highly of the party and the fact we are growing support. “It’s the first time the party’s run in Bendigo. “So I was definitely happy with it. “I think a lot of people were unhappy with the major parties. “We also ran a pretty good campaign with lots of support from friends and family.” The 23-year-old university student said he would consider running for the Sex Party in the next state and federal elections. “The name probably does attract people,” he said. “It probably does get younger people. “But it can also put people off as well given they may not have looked at our policies. “In the campaign people told us we should look at a name change to the progressive party or the gender party.” Mr Crutchfield said he would look to catch up on his university studies now the election is over. "It was a good experience."

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