Newsmakers: KMT believes in Huang Jun-ying

This includes the endorsement of former Kaohsiung City Council speaker Chen Tien-mao (陳田錨), who is the leader of one of three major political forces in the city and support from several politicians in the pan-green camp.

Lawyer-turned-legislator Su Ying-kwei (蘇盈貴) from the TSU, who got to know Huang during Huang's term as deputy mayor, has promised to campaign for Huang in defiance of his party's decision to support Hsieh.

Su was an environmental representative to a committee set up by the Kaohsiung City Government to screen the Chaishan nature park project during Huang's term and the two became close friends.

First the PFP then Hsieh

It is still uncertain, however, if Huang can beat the PFP's pick to become the KMT-PFP joint candidate for the post.

The PFP would like to see its candidate, party Vice Chairman Chang Chao-hsiung (張昭雄), face Hsieh in December.

But at least one PFP member has broken ranks.

PFP Kaohsiung City Council Deputy Yang Se-yu (楊色玉) said Huang enjoys a high level of popularity among many people she has contacted.

"Many people thought that Huang wouldn't be a suitable candidate because he was lagging behind in opinion polls. As a matter of fact, Huang's possibilities are many," Yang said.

Liao Da-chi (廖達琪), a political scientist at National Sun Yat-sen University, who will serve as a publicity strategist for Huang's campaign, said Huang will focus on his policy platform and avoid engaging in unnecessary bickering with rival candidates.

He also said that if Huang wins the pan-blue camp's nomination against Chang, he will try to garner support for his candidacy by fostering an image of wanting to work together with the residents of Kaohsiung.

"Without any obvious liabilities or a factional background, Huang has a good image and will offer Kaohsiung residents a different choice," Liao said.