The leading contenders for the federal seat of Mayo are feeling a bit battered and bruised but say it's all part of politics.
Centre Alliance candidate Rebekha Sharkie says the campaign for Saturday's by-election has been "very dirty" while Liberal Georgina Downer admits the six-week run to the poll has been "really, really tough".
"But I did grow up in politics," Ms Downer told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"When you decide to put yourself forward to serve your community, you have to do that with your eyes wide open."
Ms Sharkie took particular aim at posters around the electorate featuring her next to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, as part of a bid to paint as more pro-Labor than her record suggests.
She was similarly critical of a media report on her personal life, which was also criticised by Ms Downer.
But Ms Sharkie said the campaign waged against her was nothing less than she expected.
"I knew it was coming. It's classic," she said.
"It's any wonder why most people who are ordinary Australians don't want to put their hand up for parliament."
Ms Downer said had taken criticism over her bid to secure her father's former seat while her social media accounts had also been trolled.
The candidates' comments came as they continued to spruik for support across the sprawling Adelaide Hills electorate visiting local communities and greeting voters at pre-poll centres.
Ms Sharkie has waged her campaign with limited resources but has been backed by federal independents including Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie.
Meanwhile, a string of Liberal Party heavyweights have come to Adelaide to offer their endorsement for Ms Downer.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has visited twice, as well as former prime minister John Howard and senior Liberals Julie Bishop, Greg Hunt, Michaelia Cash, Simon Birmingham and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack.
Ms Sharkie welcomed the high level of attention the seat is receiving from the federal coalition with recent commitments worth about $22 million.
Ms Downer said she was also pleased with what the Commonwealth had been able to deliver but believed more was needed.
Ms Sharkie won Mayo at the last federal election but was forced to resign earlier this year after being caught up in the dual-citizenship saga.
She holds the seat with a five per cent margin.
Ms Downer is seeking to follow in her father Alexander's footsteps after he held the seat for more than 20 years.
