elect Two Lees Cross Bridge of No Return?
By Yoon Won-sup
Staff Reporter
A politics researcher said that Lee Myung-bak, presidential candidate of the Grand National Party (GNP), should withhold an attack on his new competitor Lee Hoi-chang, former chairman of the GNP, because the former party leader may resign from the candidacy.
``Lee Hoi-chang may resign from the candidacy at the last moment. The Lee Myung-bak camp should be careful not to attack him seriously, making him cross the bridge of no return,'' Kim Choong-nam, a researcher at the East-West Center in Hawaii, told The Korea Times.
Actually, Lee Hoi-chang also said in his statement Wednesday that he is ready to give up the run if voters turn their backs on him.
Kim recommended an easier strategy for Lee Myung-bak would be to negotiate with Park Geun-hye, former chairwoman of the GNP, who was defeated by the former Seoul mayor in the party nomination.
However, the scholar said Lee Myung-bak should get more support within the party if he wants to become President, holding him responsible for the current disharmony in the party
``Lee Myung-bak should realize that he is not the owner of the GNP,'' Kim said. ``He should respect lawmakers of the GNP whose political life depends on what will happens in party power structure.''
``What Lee Myung-bak has to do was to get full support from the party. He should not attempt to control the party and to destroy Park's supporters.''
Kim stressed the importance of alliance in the presidential election as proved in history.
To win the presidential elections, former President Kim Young-sam shook hands with former President Roh Tae-woo and former Prime Minister Kim Jong-phil, who were Kim's political enemies. Former President Kim Dae-jung also allied his enemy, Kim Jong-phil for the presidential election.
``Why is Lee Myung-bak reluctant to share power with Park Geun-hye? Lee Hoi-chang, Park Geun-hye and many others may believe Lee Hoi-chang will be elected,'' Kim said. ``This is the core of the problem. Lee Myung-bak lacks strategic thinking.''
Asked if Lee Hoi-chang's run would split the GNP and raise support for Chung Dong-young, presidential candidate of the pro-government United New Democratic Party (UNDP), the researcher said no.
Kim said the newcomer in the race would increase confusion but public attention will focus on the fight between two Lees. Therefore, Lee Myung-bak's campaign will become more aggressive.
Kim took four elements to be considered in the race.
Among other things, the return of Kim Kyung-jun, his business partner on charges of financial fraud, may damage Lee Myung-bak's popularity.
Secondly, if liberal camps' candidates are reduced to one candidate, the candidate can challenge the two Lees.
Thirdly, the role of the governments of the two Koreas will be another important factor in the race.
Lastly, it remains to be seen whether Lee Myung-bak will try to negotiate with Lee Hoi-chang to persuade him to give up the race.