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Yeh Chu-lan, Su Chih-fen back Hsieh's 2008 hopes

Former acting Kaohsiung mayor Yeh Chu-lan (葉菊蘭) and Yunlin County Commissioner Su Chih-fen (蘇治芬) threw their support yesterday behind former premier Frank Hsieh's (謝長廷) bid to become the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential nominee.

During a coffee promotion event in Gukeng Township (古坑), Yunlin County, DPP member Yeh told reporters and attendees she supported Hsieh because she saw his vision for city management and his concern for humanity and culture when she was acting mayor.

Yeh took the post when Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) -- who became acting mayor on Feb. 1, 2005, when Hsieh was promoted to the premiership -- resigned in September 2005 in connection with the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp scandal after his father was linked to a series of irregularities in hiring workers for the project.

"Thanks to Hsieh's long-term plan, Kaohsiung was able to become the `shiniest' and internationally renowned city in Taiwan," Yeh said during the event.

Hsieh and DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, who is also a presidential hopeful, have indicated they would be interested in having Yeh on next year's DPP presidential ticket if they are chosen.

Asked whether supporting Hsieh meant that she would become Hsieh's running mate next year, the former mayor said she would do her best to campaign for him while giving priority to a DPP victory.

She did not elaborate.

"There are a lot of talented people in the DPP. Hsieh has the ability to run the country well and that's why I support him," she said.

Yeh said the people of Taiwan would live happily if Hsieh became president.
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