In a step that will pave the way for KMT-PFP cooperation in the Taipei County commissioner's election in December, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) yesterday invited former minister of justice Liao Cheng-hao (廖正豪) to run in the race.
Liao said that he has yet to make a final decision on whether to run, but that he will make a decision "very soon."
Leaders of the KMT and the PFP have planned to jointly nominate Liao, currently an independent who maintains close relationships with both parties.
Lien extended the invitation to Liao when Liao paid him a visit yesterday.
Liao said after the meeting that he still needs to confer with PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) about the matter before making a decision.
Liao said he would maintain his independent status even if he decides to run in the election, and that this idea was supported by Lien.
Liao said he is not considering joining any political party or rejoining the KMT.
Liao quit the KMT in 1999 to throw his support behind Soong, who insisted on running in last year's presidential race without the KMT's nomination and was later expelled from the party for doing so.
Liao, however, never joined the PFP -- founded by Soong in March last year soon after the presidential election.
In recent months, the KMT has reportedly tried to persuade Liao to rejoin the KMT and represent the party in the Taipei County election.
Chao Shou-po (趙守博), chairman of the KMT's Organization and Development Committee, said the party has been searching for the right candidate and has approached people with ideals similar to that of the KMT who are interested in running in the election and have the potential to win.
If the parties eventually decide to jointly nominate Liao, they need to communicate and coordinate with other members who have expressed an intent to vie for their parties' nomination in the Taipei County election, Chao said.
KMT legislator Lin Jih-jia (林志嘉) and Chin Chin-sheng (秦金生), deputy secretary-general of the PFP, are both aspirants in the Taipei County race.
Lin yesterday urged Liao to make a quick decision if he is truly interested in running.
To ensure fair competition, Lin insisted that a public poll should be held to assess the popularity of the potential candidates as the basis of receiving the nomination.
Lin said he will definitely quit the commissioner's race if he loses in the public poll.
Chin, meanwhile, said the PFP should respect the opinions of its supporters when deciding on a nominee.
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