"He knows the area and he knows our issues. I think he's good at explaining issues and advocating, and he has a good mind," Mr Brownless said.
Former mayor Stuart Crosby said Mr Bridges was intelligent and had the attributes to be a leader "at some point in time, whether that's now or later on".
Priority One chairman Brett Hewlett described Mr Key's resignation as "quite a shocking turn of events". It was hard to rate Mr Bridges' chances, but he had been a good member of Parliament and had credibility among his peers.
"It could only be good for the Bay, and he's a Bay of Plenty supporter. He commands a presence and is a good narrator."
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec said it would be a "mixed blessing".
"It would bring Tauranga to the fore in one sense but it could also mean we'd see less of him and his time and focus would be more divided."
"Based on his track record to date, he'd do the job admirably and could well be in a position to graduate to the top job in due course."
He said the position would require Mr Bridges to give his attention to national priorities.
Nigel Tutt, the new Priority One chief executive, said that any additional representation through Mr Bridges for Tauranga would be positive.
NZ First MP Clayton Mitchell said, in his opinion, it would not make "any difference to Tauranga, whatsoever" if Mr Bridges was selected as deputy prime minister.
"Simon does, what Simon does, to get what Simon wants."
He said Mr Bridges had been lobbying back bencher National MPs for support.
Western Bay of Plenty District councillor and National Party member Margaret Murray-Benge described him as a, "talented, energetic, caring fellow."
She said Mr Bridges appointment to deputy would depend on who would be chosen as Prime Minister, with the mix needing to entice the public.
Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell said Mr Bridges bid for deputy was "a matter for the National Party caucus to decide. We will work with whoever they choose."
Simon Bridges v Paula Bennett
MP for Tauranga - MP for Upper Harbour
Elected to Parliament 2008 - Elected to Parliament 2005
Simon's portfolios: Transport (Minister), Energy and Resources (Minister), Climate Change Issues (Associate Minister), Justice (Associate Minister)
Paula's portfolios: Climate Change Issues (Minister), Social Housing (Minister), State Services (Minister), Finance (Associate Minister), Tourism (Associate Minister)