Yunlin front-runner speaks of campaign

In the last days of campaigning for Saturday's Yunlin County by-election -- and as accusations and mudslinging among the candidates reaches new heights -- independent candidate Chang Jung-wei (張榮肘?/CHINESE>) lashed out at the DPP yesterday for what he called the party's "insults" to all Yunlin residents, with its repeated references to the county as "Mafialand."

He said such language in the by-election campaign would inevitably result in more support for him, and would increase his chances of winning the election.

Chang is known as a powerful figure in Yunlin, holding the support of many of the county's local factions. He is a strong contender to win Saturday's election, despite a temporary drop in support after the Sept. 21 earthquake amid allegations he was involved in a construction firm whose housing complexes suffered several collapses.

Chang has denied any involvement in the company, saying it was an attempt to frame him in a bid to stop him from winning.

Before holding his first campaign rally in the town of Touliu last night, he agreed to be interviewed by the Taipei Times.

Taipei Times: How do you distinguish yourself from the other candidates in the race?

Chang: Members of the DPP are spending their time criticizing other people, but have not proposed their own platform regarding how to develop Yunlin County in the future. This merely reveals that the DPP only knows how to hurl invective at others, and is not really prepared to be a ruling party.

I also think that the KMT's Chang Cheng-hsiung (張正雄) is neither familiar with local administrative matters, nor is acquainted with local leaders. He is just a symbolic figure that the KMT is using to play its "money game" in the election, not nominating a proper candidate.

I have served in Yunlin County as a public representative for the past decade, and everyone knows me and realizes that I am a dependable politician who always keeps his promises.

TT: The two major political parties have assigned their own heavyweights, such as their presidential candidates, to campaign for them in Yunlin. Do you worry about the influence these political stars will bring to the election?

Chang: Those DPP leaders who have come down here to campaign are continually insulting Yunlin by abusing our county as "Mafialand." This has really hurt the feelings of local residents. We people in Yunlin live hard lives, but we do have our dignity. I think they will just bring bad blood to the election, because residents will get angry with them and show more sympathy toward me.

TT: There are rumors floating around in the county to the effect that the KMT has negotiated with you on the election issue. It is said the KMT will actually support you to win the by-election in exchange for your support in the upcoming presidential election.

(Editor's note: It had been suggested that Chang was ready to throw his support behind independent presidential candidate James Soong, and that the KMT's choice for candidate was deliberately weak so as to ensure Chang would win.)

Chang: The two major parties wanted to extend their influence, and therefore they have used the by-election as a presidential campaign stage. I have never promised to join with or support anyone's presidential candidate. If I win the by-election, I will support the presidential candidate who can propose better construction plans for Yunlin County. And I will respect the decision of the majority of residents.