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New Party takes comedian under its wing for vote

"I would have won my election easily if I had represented the PFP." Hou Kuan-chiung, impersonator TAIPEI TIMES FILE PHOTO

Eyebrows were raised last May when political freshman Hou Kuan-chiung (侯冠群) was headhunted by both the PFP and the New Party after announcing his decision to run in the Taipei City councilor elections.

There was further surprise when Hou chose to represent the shrinking New Party and not the burgeoning PFP.

Hou is well-known for his impersonations of former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) who, he believes is responsible for corrupting Taiwan and the current sluggish economy.

Hou has been invited several times to campaign for the pan-blue camp over the past three years because of his impersonations, allowing him to establish close connections with heavyweight politicians.

Like many politicians, Hou revealed that he turned to politics because he was disillusioned with the political scene.

Hou said recently, "I will try to create happiness for this unhappy society, after I become a politician."

His decision to represent the New Party has prompted many in the electorate to question his motives, while many political observers believe that the party will shortly fold.

"I would win election easily if I had represented the PFP," Hou said. "But I want the victory to be mine and mine alone. That's the reason I decided to join the New Party, " Hou said.

Hou believes that voters vote PFP because of its chairman, James Soong (宋楚瑜), no matter who the candidates are.

The pro-unification New Party won only one legislative seat, in Kinmen, and picked up only 0.44 percent of the vote in last year's legislative elections. All seven sitting lawmakers from the party, including Hsieh Chi-ta (謝啟大), Levi Ying (營志宏), and Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆), failed in their re-election bids.

Facing its first election since the defeat, the New Party has nominated six candidates for the Taipei City councilor elections and just one in Kaohsiung City.

Hou believes his choice of the New Party has given it a massive boost, while New Party officials are pleased to have him on board

A New Party advertisement urges voters to support Hou Kuan-chiung's election bid and adds, "Only when Hou Kuan-chiung is elected can the New Party have a future."

Hou has kicked off his campaign by meeting with voters in local markets from five in the morning till 10 at night, a move he claims has taught him a lot about politics and human beings.

"As an actor, the most interesting thing about shaking hands with voters is discovering people who don't support you but who pretend to do so in public," Hou said.

"Aside from politics, these people are great material for my performances," he said.

Hou claims that he does not worry about losing the election.

He remarked, "I have nothing to lose. I'll be the same individual as I am now."

DPP Legislator Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), a former Taipei City councilor representing the Chongcheng and Wanhua constituency where Hou is running, is not optimistic about Hou's election bid.

Tuan said: "His personal image is not distinguished enough for that of a public representative. The public will always think of him as an actor, which will make it difficult for him to get elected."

Emile Sheng (盛治仁), a political science professor at Soochow University, said that, because of his fame, Hou might be in with a chance.

Sheng said, "The public has not warmed to the election, and most of the voters might not know many of the candidates. Hou's fame could help a lot."
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