TSU's Tseng drops out after losing poll

Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) Legislator Tseng Tsahn-deng (曾燦燈) yesterday withdrew from the legislative election following his defeat in an opinion poll by his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rival Lee Kun-tse (李昆澤).

"I am sorry that I have embarrassed my party," Tseng said during a press conference at the TSU caucus office yesterday morning.

A poll was conducted to determine which of the two candidates should run in the Kaohsiung City's 3rd district to avoid competing for the pan-green vote.

Tseng said he would cooperate to increase the pan-green camp's chances of winning the legislative election by withdrawing.

"The facts are the facts. Now that pan-green supporters have decided they prefer Lee, I will sacrifice myself to make that happen. I will return to school and resume teaching," Tseng said.

In response to Tseng's withdrawal, Lee said he did not get any pleasure from defeating his rival.

"Tseng is a lawmaker recognized for his professional and passionate attitude. I admire him and am thankful for his help, but this means a greater responsibility has fallen on my shoulders," Lee said.

The pan-green vote may still be split in the Kaohsiung constituency as DPP Legislator Lin Chin-hsing (林進興) is campaigning for the same legislative seat.

"I haven't yet given up hope of negotiating with Lin," Lee said.

Meanwhile, TSU member Lan Chun-chieh (藍群傑) registered for the legislative election as an independent candidate in Pingtung.

Lan said that he had run for the legislature twice as a TSU candidate but lost both times.

"Running in the election as an independent candidate will boost my chances," he said.

In Taipei City's 1st district, the DPP's Kao Chien-chih (高建智) and Taipei City Councilor Chen Chien-ming (陳建銘) of the TSU, a former lawmaker, will both run for the legislature.

"If we pan-greens compete against each other, it will be difficult for us to win," Kao said.