Victorian MP Lynne Kosky is hurt and offended by comments made by former federal Liberal candidate Hamish Jones, who was dumped from pre-selection after calling her a bitch.
Mr Jones was forced to resign as the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Maribyrnong for calling Ms Kosky a "bitch" and a "f***wit" on his internet blog site.
"I have resigned my candidacy and that's all I have to say," Mr Jones said.
The blog outburst came in April after Victorian Public Transport Minister Ms Kosky asked colleagues to direct constituents' complaints about fines and ticket inspectors to the private operators of transport services rather than to her.
Mr Jones' blog, Ranting and Rambling, has been taken down.
Ms Kosky's spokeswoman said: "The comments were offensive and hurtful".
Victorian Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu supported dumping Mr Jones.
"As I understand it, he won't be the candidate and I think that's appropriate," Mr Baillieu said.
"I think it's a reflection on this particular candidate for the remarks he made, which I think were inappropriate."
Federal Treasurer Peter Costello also criticised Mr Jones, 24, and said the party would find a better candidate to replace him in the safe Labor seat in Melbourne's suburbs.
"I think, in the circumstances, the party took the view that we could find a candidate who's better and more appealing, and in the circumstances that's what the party will do," Mr Costello told Southern Cross Broadcasting.
The Liberal Party's Victorian state director Julian Sheezel said the party would name a replacement soon.
"The party will select a good-quality candidate and will make a decision on its choice as soon as possible," Mr Sheezel said.
He rejected speculation that the party would not contest the seat, which ALP heavyweight Bill Shorten is expected to win easily.
"The coalition runs candidates in every seat across the country in every federal election and state general elections well," he said.
The Liberals have chosen not to stand candidates in upcoming state by-elections in the Labor seats of Williamstown and Albert Park following the recent resignations of former premier Steve Bracks and his deputy John Thwaites.
"Sometimes, the Liberal Party and ALP make strategic decisions not to stand candidates in by-elections," Mr Sheezel said.
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