It was always going to be a delicate moment when Malcolm Turnbull talked up the qualities of Fiona Scott.
The last time she stood next to a Liberal leader in an election campaign, Ms Scott was told her looks could win over voters in the western Sydney seat of Lindsay.
At the time Tony Abbott famously declared her to be young, feisty and "I think I can probably say" a bit of sex appeal.
Three years later, as Mr Turnbull joined her re-election campaign, the emphasis was on her brain.
The prime minister described Ms Scott as a "very experienced businesswoman", "highly qualified" with a "powerful voice" in the federal parliament.
The prime minister then rattled off her qualifications, including an MBA at a top business school.
"The intellect you bring to bear, the experience you bring to bear and the passionate advocacy is so important," he stressed in front of a media pack at Emu Plains.
But there was no shaking off the Abbott ghost.
Some locals are angry about her reported support for Mr Turnbull in last year's leadership vote.
Marcus Cornish, a councillor on Penrith Council, believes she only won because of Mr Abbott's support for her campaign, including his "sex appeal" comment.
Ms Scott wasn't biting on the "traitor" accusations on Wednesday, saying she doesn't leak from the party room.
"I have never disclosed how I voted, and frankly I never will."
Keeping Ms Scott in the seat is crucial for the government's fortunes, Mr Turnbull declared.
"If we hold this seat, then we will be returned to government," he said.
He'll find out on July 2 what the electorate values.
