Despite the endorsement of KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
"I can't make a final decision today," said Liao, after an hour-long, closed-door meeting with Soong.
"It is a very important decision, which demands time to ponder. I don't mean to delay other people's plans, but I have to think of the role I can play to serve society best."
Another significant factor to take into account, said Liao, was his family's opinion.
He said his aging parents and his wife worried about his health and security in public office, and that he had to consider their feelings when making a crucial decision about re-entering the political arena.
Liao said he would announce his final decision "in two days."
In a step that could pave the way for KMT-PFP cooperation in the year-end elections, Lien on July 6 personally invited Liao -- currently an independent who maintains close ties with both parties -- to run in the race for Taipei County commissioner.
Liao quit the KMT in 1999 to support Soong, who insisted on running in last year's presidential race without the KMT's nomination. Soong was later expelled from the party for doing so.
Liao, however, has never joined the PFP, which was founded by Soong immediately following his defeat in the presidential election.
Before meeting Liao, Soong yesterday appeared to lend him his support when he said that the candidate's party status should not be the top concern. The key, he said, was "whether the candidate can successfully court the voters."
Soong said, somewhat cryptically, that "an electoral triumph hinges significantly upon communication before the elections," and that he would therefore do his utmost to communicate effectively in order not to let down the voters.
His remarks appeared intended to assuage other aspirants in the race, including KMT Legislator Lin Jih-jia (
On Sunday, the lawmaker said that Liao was equivocating because the KMT had not promised him campaign funding of NT$365 million, or NT$100 for each of Taipei County's 3,650,000 voters.
As Chao Shou-po (
"It's not a rumor. It's a known fact in the constituency," Lin told the Taipei Times yesterday. "Money is definitely his biggest concern. If he is sincere about running, he should go for it without hesitation."
Upon learning that Liao had again delayed his response, Lin said, "The KMT has run out of patience," and demanded Liao provide an answer within a week.
Chin, the other hopeful in the race, seemed ready to accept the party's proposal that, in the event of Liao entering the race, he transfer his candidacy to Hsinchu City. He told the media yesterday, "I am adjusting to the change."
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