KMT set back again

DPP candidate Lai Kun-cheng garnered 23,190 votes in Taitung, defeating his KMT rival Kuang Li-zhen by close to 2,000 votes to win the first-ever legislative seat in the eastern county for the opposition party.

In Taichung County, DPP's Chien Chao-tung was victorious by obtaining 63,335 votes, as opposed to the KMT contender Yu Wen-chin's 51,776 votes.

In Taoyuan County, KMT candidate Chen Li-ling lost to the DPP's Kuo Rung-tsung by 36,989 to 53,633 votes.

KMT Secretary General King Pu-tsung said the party will learn a lesson from the failure — the second since its setback in the Dec. 5 local elections.

President Ma Ying-jeou appointed King to the KMT management post after the Dec. 5 setback, hoping that his most trusted right-hand man could help the party turn around in upcoming crucial elections.

Asked if he would shoulder the blame for the losses, King said, “What would you suggest? What kind of responsibility do you think I should take?”

He later stressed that he would face up to the responsibility, but would not back down on his push for reforms.

“Combating bribes will be the top priority for the party,” he said.

But the losses have proved again that voters have yet to regain confidence in Ma and the party he leads amid widespread belief that he is incompetent.

The party will face more challenges next month in yet another round of legislative by-elections, and crucial races at the end of the year for the top posts of five special municipalities.

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