After all the fuss about finding a nominee, the KMT central standing committee yesterday unanimously agreed to draft its chief of the party's Yunlin County branch, Chang Cheng-hsiung (
In assessing the nomination process, however, critics said it was pathetic to see the KMT having difficulty fielding a candidate.
Although few party colleagues are not optimistic about Chang's chances of winning the by-election, as evidenced by the fact that few congratulated him on his nomination, Chang seems confidant about his chances.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
"The KMT is like a huge aircraft carrier. It may take longer to refuel than smaller craft, but once it gets going, the momentum is frightening,'' Chang said.
Following the refusal by Taipei District Court Judge Wang Pei-chih (
"I had no intention of taking part in the by-election, but as I have been nominated by the party, I will do my best to win,'' Chang said.
KMT legislator Hou Hui-hsien (
"It grieves me to see that the KMT has to come down to drafting the Yunlin county party branch chairman. I am pessimistic about the outcome,'' Hou added.
KMT legislator and local faction leader from the county, Liao Hwu-peng (
"I am afraid that the by-election could further damage the KMT in next year's presidential election,'' Liao added.
Julian Kuo (
"The Yunlin county by-election has become a skirmish in the developing presidential battle. On the surface, the KMT wants to appoint a candidate without Chang Jung-wei's mafia-like image. But under the table, it wants to pull Chang away from Soong's side by nominating a comparatively weak candidate,'' Kuo said.
"KMT headquarters is trying to earn points for its image and gain political advantage at the same time. If it fails to achieve its goal, it may find itself stuck in a deadlock,'' Kuo said.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) yesterday said it expected to issue a sea warning for Typhoon Fung-Wong tomorrow, which it said would possibly make landfall near central Taiwan. As of 2am yesterday, Fung-Wong was about 1,760km southeast of Oluanpi (鵝鑾鼻), Taiwan’s southernmost point, moving west-northwest at 26kph. It is forecast to reach Luzon in the northern Philippines by tomorrow, the CWA said. After entering the South China Sea, Typhoon Fung-Wong is likely to turn northward toward Taiwan, CWA forecaster Chang Chun-yao (張峻堯) said, adding that it would likely make landfall near central Taiwan. The CWA expects to issue a land
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