Idea of independent candidate shunned

Two PFP lawmakers warned yesterday the pan-blue camp will fall apart if it bypasses its own ranks in favor of an independent candidate in the contest for Kaohsiung mayor.

PFP legislative leader Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) said that both the PFP and KMT risk internal revolt if leaders from the two parties back former interior minister Chang Po-ya (張博雅), a potential runner in the mayoral elections.

He urged the two parties to quit considering Chang when seeking to name a joint candidate.

"Already, I have heard noises inside the KMT saying Chang is unacceptable," Liu said.

In June, KMT lawmaker Li Ya-ching (李雅景), threatened to defect to the ruling camp if his party approved Chang's appointment as vice president of the Examination Yuan. Li, who represents Chiayi County, resented Chang when the latter worked as interior minister.

Liu said traditional pan-blue supporters would also reject Chang, who retains cozy ties with the DPP.

"Chang, known for her squeaky-clean image, was a mediocre administrator," the PFP lawmaker said. "Her main political capital lies in her lack of a partisan tag, which allows her to flirt with both the ruling and opposition camps."

Liu said his party should give top priority to cementing ties with the KMT in a bid to unseat incumbent Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷).

He predicted that Chang would not poll more than 50,000 votes in a three-way race.

Chiu Yi (邱毅), another PFP legislator, shared similar views. He said that if the two parties must tap an outsider, they might as well throw their weight behind Shih Ming-teh (施明德), another independent contender.

"The year-end elections offer a great opportunity for all parties to flex their muscle," Chiu said. "I see no reason why the pan-blue camp should bow out of the contest."

The two PFP lawmakers pitched their vice chairman, Chang Chou-hsiung (張昭雄), as the best candidate.