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Su stakes his job on Taipei County

Voters in Ilan wave Taiwan-shaped placards yesterday to show their support for the Democratic Progressive Party's Ilan County commissioner candidate, Chen Ding-nan, on the eve of the local elections. PHOTO: CHANG CHIA-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) yesterday announced that he will resign as chairman if the party's Taipei County commissioner candidate, Luo Wen-chia (羅文嘉), loses, or if the party fails to win at least 10 seats in today's local elections.

Luo yesterday also staked his political career on a vow that he has never been involved in vote-buying, of which he has been accused by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).

The KMT yesterday released a video allegedly proving that Luo paid people to attend a DPP rally.

Luo said he would withdraw from politics permanently if there turns out to be any proof for the KMT's accusations.

"The KMT attempted to use an unverified videotape to influence the elections. I vow that if I have been involved in vote-buying at NT$150 or any other amount per person, or incited anybody to hand out bribes, I will withdraw from politics forever," a sobbing Luo said.

With a solemn and grave countenance, Su made the announcement at a news conference held at the DPP headquarters yesterday morning.

Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Su Tseng-chang, left, yesterday shakes hands with Luo Wen-chia -- the party's candidate in Taipei County -- after Su announced that he would quit politics forever if Luo was involved in vote-buying. PHOTO: LIU HSIN-DE, TAIPEI TIMES

"If the DPP fails in its bid to have its 10 county commissioners re-elected, or if Luo fails to win the Taipei County commissionership, then it is a grave defeat for the DPP. The opposition parties will be a lot more arrogant and China will misinterpret the results," Su said.

"Consequently Taiwan's political situation will become more chaotic than before. As the DPP chairman, I will resign from my post to assume responsibility," he said.

"For the past eight years, I have devoted all my efforts to promoting progress in Taipei County, which has happened with amazing speed," Su said.

"If Luo cannot win the election and extend local construction projects, I believe the development of Taipei County will stagnate seriously and might even disappear as a result of the rival campaign platform. I have strong feelings for and responsibility toward Taipei County," he said.

"Even if the DPP wins in other constituencies but loses Taipei County, I will step down from my chairmanship as an apology to Taipei County's residents," he said.

Su added that he would also drop out of politics if Luo has been involved in vote-buying.

"I recommend Luo to Taipei County's voters, and I am confident in him. I'm willing to take the responsibility ... I hope voters can trust their former commissioner," Su said.

When he heard Su's endorsement, Luo, who stood beside Su, burst into tears.

Luo said he was deeply touched that Su was willing to support him to such a degree, because Su is a potential presidential candidate in 2008.

"I'm 40 years old and still have a long way to go in political circles. An election is transient, but my personality is a lifetime issue," Luo said.

"I won't sacrifice my personality and dignity for temporary elections. I am willing to defend my personal integrity with my political life," he added.

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