Negative campaigning backfires in Kaohsiung

Lee added that Hsieh's strong personality and popularity also gave him an advantage when the race became tight and accusations were flying. Huang's support increased in the last 10 days of the campaign after PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) came forward to support him, a sign that the pan-blue alliance had finally reached a consensus of sorts.

But when Huang appeared to be running neck and neck with Hsieh, it may well have been his lack of broader popularity and influence in Taiwan's political arena that was his undoing.

"Compared with Hsieh, Huang lacked the ability to mobilize public opinion in his favor, especially in the crucial last two days of the campaign," Lee said. "If the KMT had fielded a stronger politician, they would have won."