elect GNP Furious Over Lee Hoi-chang’s Bid
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
The slogan of ending the leftist rule, a core theme of Lee Hoi-chang's third bid for the presidency, is not justified under any circumstances, the main opposition party leaders said, Wednesday.
Grand National Party (GNP) lawmakers expressed concern as to whether their former party chairman joining the presidential race has already divided the conservative vote.
GNP nominee Lee Myung-bak said it was regrettable to see the veteran politician break the commitment he made in 2002 that he would leave politics forever.
The former Seoul mayor declined to make any further comments on the matter, adding that he would continue to try and persuade the former GNP chairman to withdraw his presidential bid.
His comments came as Lee Hoi-chang has declared he will run for the presidency as an independent.
The independent candidate was once called a leader of integrity, who advocated the rule of law as a core value.
Experts predicted that his image will be largely tarnished and he is highly likely to become a lightening rod for criticism due to him breaking his promise.
Lee Myung-bak was being cautious about attacking against the graying politician, who still enjoys some popularity among conservative voters.
In contrast to the party nominee's low-key reaction, GNP leaders were furious at the former party chairman for joining the presidential race.
They said his justification for the bid _ saying he will end leftist rule _ merely split the conservative vote and consequently will allow a leftist candidate to gain momentum.
GNP strategists said the party plans to attack Lee Hoi-chang by highlighting his alleged involvement in the use of illegal campaign funds and his sudden departure from the GNP to run against the party's nominee.
The former Seoul mayor made an unannounced visit to the former GNP chairman's home in Seoul early in the morning on Wednesday, before Lee Hoi-chang made his official bid, in an effort to convince him to reconsider his running for the presidency.
The effort was in vain as the former GNP leader was not at home at the time.
Lee Myung-bak left a note with the housemaid saying that he was eager to talk with Lee Hoi-chang before his scheduled news conference at 2 p.m.