After weeks of hesitation, Legislative Speaker and Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Vice Chairman Wang Jin-pyng (
At a press conference yesterday morning, Wang pledged to reform the KMT while urging unity in the pan-blue camp. He played down expectations of a divisive battle between him and the only other declared candidate for the party chairmanship, Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
"At this moment, the mission of the party chairman is to unite the party and its allies, win the hearts of the people, allow the party to take back the government, win back Taiwan and create glory," Wang said yesterday in a speech declaring his candidacy.
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Wang pledged to support retaining the national title of the Republic of China, reform the party by making the legislature a focus, make more party posts elected positions, resolve the party's troubled financial situation and respect the rights of party employees.
Wang made his announcement yesterday at the Taipei Sheraton Hotel to supporters and more than 60 KMT legislators, who attended to show their support for his candidacy.
While yesterday's announcement had long been anticipated, Wang reiterated his previous statement that should incumbent KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) decide to make a re-election run, he would back out of the chairmanship race.
While Wang's competitor Ma has been open about his intent to run since last month, Wang had been unclear about running until last week, and had encouraged Lien to run for another term.
Wang emphasized that there is no animosity between him and Ma.
Ma supporters KMT Legislators Wu Yu-sheng (
There is no power struggle between Ma and Wang, Wu said yesterday, but rather a "contest between gentlemen" Wu said.
In fact, Wu and Lai emphasized, their appearance yesterday came after a phone call from Ma urging them to go in his stead to offer his regards to Wang.
Recently, there have been numerous reported conflicts between the two KMT heavyweights over the party chairmanship race's voting regulations.
Alluding to widespread speculation that both his and Ma's desires to run for chairman are fueled by presidential ambitions, Wang hinted that he might not run in the 2008 presidential election if made chairman.
"The upcoming KMT chairmanship election is not a battle for a `stepping stone' position for the 2008 presidential election," Wang said. "If our hopes for becoming the governing party again are to be realized, I am willing to sacrifice without regrets."
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