Su not bowing out from presidential race

Both Su and Tsai were rated as major contenders representing the DPP. But the latest public opinion poll conducted by the United Daily News shows that Tsai presently holds an advantage over Su,

Tsai won 23 percent of support for joining the next race, compared with 17 percent for Su, followed by former DPP Chairman Lin Yi-hsiung, and Su Chia-chuan, 5 percent, who failed to unseat Taichung Mayor Jason Hu in the municipal elections over the weekend.

According to the poll, Ma enjoys a higher support rating of 44 percent when facing Tsai. who receives a 30 percent support.

Ma has an even higher backing of 45 percent versus the 28 percent for Su if they head the two major parties' presidential tickets.

Even former President Chen Shui-bian, who is still in custody for alleged corruption and money laundering, suggested that Su refrain from seeking the DPP nomination considering the new political and social situations in Taiwan.

Hsu Hsin-liang, another former DPP chairman, also said that Su's humiliating loss in the race challenging Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin of the KMT has essentially ruled out his chance for running for president again.

Former Vice President Annette Lu expressed her opinion that all DPP candidates who lost in the municipal elections should not seek presidency.

However, DPP leaders backing Su cited a suggestion from Chen that the party should first revise and map out new policies.

Su failed to win DPP nomination in the previous presidential election and eventually settled as the running mate of Frank Hsieh, another of the many political heavy hitters in the DPP administration.

In a move to maintain harmony, Tsai said it is still too early for the DPP to select a presidential nominee.

There is a need for serious and adequate discussion on the crucial issue, she said.

But political analysts said Tsai is expected to face strong challenges as some major factions within the DPP still strongly back Su's presidential bid, citing his outstanding administrative performance.

There could be some telltale signs emerging at the meeting of the DPP's policymaking Central Standing Committee today.

The meeting agenda will be focused mostly on reviewing the just concluded elections.

But supporters for Tsai are expected to take actions consolidating her leadership in the party, saying she has no political burdens as other aspiring candidates.

For the KMT, President Ma, who also concurrently serves as party chairman, is no doubt to seek reelection.

The attention is now centered on who will be his running mate as incumbent Vice President Vincent Siew may choose to retire due to health concerns.

Premier Wu Den-yih is generally regarded as the chief contender for the KMT's nomination for vice president.

When questioned by reporters on the issue, Wu said that now is still premature for such speculation.

Wu stressed that he himself has not set any particular future plans, but all he wants to do right now is to strive harder to help further revive the nation's economy, with no spare time to consider other matters.

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