Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) candidate Eric Chu (朱立倫) is hoping that the notorious mob boss in this year's blockbuster movie Monga (艋舺) will help entice more than a few voters his way come election day on Nov. 27.
Veteran actor Ma Ju-long (馬如龍), who has captured the audience's interest with his recent portrayal of the character Geta in the film Monga, yesterday endorsed the KMT candidate, telling supporters that “it would be Taiwan's loss” if Chu did not win the elections for Sinbei City mayor.
The two men spoke to local residents and party stalwarts at the office of KMT Taipei County Councilor Huang Kui-lan (黃桂蘭) in Taipei County's Lujhou (蘆洲).
Ma said he believed Chu was best suited to govern the nation's most populous municipality.
He also mentioned Chu's impressive record during his eight years as county commissioner of Taoyuan County, where he used to live.
“I still have friends there and many of them tell me just how well Chu did in the area. That's the main reason why I’m here today,” Ma said.
Recent polls suggest that Chu is neck-and-neck with his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opponent, Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).
DPP Chairperson Tsai yesterday held a press conference to announce that her campaign had received more than NT$10 million (US$315,000) in donations, calling it a testament to her grassroots support.
Standing alongside a dozen teenagers and young adults at her campaign headquarters in Banciao City, Tsai said she recognized that the donations represented the hopes and aspirations of hundreds of Taipei County residents.
Thanking supporters, she said: “[Grassroots] donations are the next step in political culture. I hope even more people take part in this election.”
The donations will undoubtedly come as a big boost for Tsai after a string of recent announcements from the cash-strapped DPP that it would not offer individual candidates financial support in the year-end elections.
Tsai's campaign office has said it will focus on maximizing the use of the limited resources at its disposal and not spend money on printing election banners, flyers or posters. Tsai’s office also promised not to use loudspeakers on campaign vehicles.
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