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Su says poll to choose running mate unnecessary

Although Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) has decided to choose his running mate by means of an opinion poll featuring former premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) and former acting Kaohsiung mayor Yeh Chu-lan (葉菊蘭), Su yesterday called such a survey "unnecessary."

Su said he had made it clear he did not want any position in the Hsieh team but that he would do his best to campaign for him.

unnecessary

Adding that he supported the idea of having Yeh run with Hsieh, "an opinion survey is not necessary," Su told reporters on his way to the party's weekly Central Standing Committee meeting yesterday.

In a video message unveiled on Sunday on his Web blog, Hsieh said he would choose his presidential running mate by means of an opinion poll and would announce the result by Aug 15.

The video was pre-recorded, even though Hsieh decided to go ahead with the announcement despite Su's open remark two days earlier saying he was not interested in competing with Yeh.

hakka

Yeh, a Hakka who enjoys support from local Hakka groups, has voiced her desire to fight for the DPP's vice presidential nomination. She was also the person who proposed Hsieh conduct a survey, Hsieh said.

"It is easier to start campaigning [for Hsieh] if everyone assumes his position early. This will also give [the DPP] advantages in 2008 presidential election," Su said yesterday, adding that he would tell Hsieh the same thing if they had the chance to meet.

Asked by reporters to comment on Su's remarks, Hsieh said he understood Su's feelings and gave him credit for not contesting the position.

Hsieh, however, did not make it clear whether his office would go ahead with the survey.
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