KMT's Ke Chih-en Invites Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to Campaign in Kaohsiung; DPP's Lai Jui-lung Welcomes Visit, Invites Observation of City's Transformation

Liberty Times reports on the escalating mayoral race in Kaohsiung, where KMT candidate Ke Chih-en is bringing in high-profile support from Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen. This move signals a strategic effort to bolster Ke's campaign by leveraging Lu's popularity and proven track record as a "mother mayor." Ke expressed that Lu's visit, coinciding with Mother's Day, offers an opportunity to learn from her urban governance experience and engage with local party members and constituents. The KMT is clearly aiming to project an image of strong female leadership in Kaohsiung, with Ke also indicating that other prominent KMT figures like Chiang Wan-an and Hou Yu-ih have pledged their support.

In response, DPP candidate Lai Jui-lung welcomed Mayor Lu to Kaohsiung, framing it as an opportunity for her to observe the city's significant "transformation and growth" over recent years. Lai emphasized his own campaign's rhythm, highlighting his upcoming support rally in the Xiaogang district. He also addressed concerns about his public recognition, pointing to his decade of service in the Kaohsiung city government, his tenure as a legislator, and his consistent recognition as an outstanding legislator. Lai acknowledged the electioneering tactics of "vilification, division, and attack" but remains confident in his established connection with Kaohsiung residents and his vision for the city.

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Welcome Mayor Lu to come to Kaohsiung to see the transformation of Kaohsiung.

The DPP is also reinforcing its campaign with new leadership, appointing legislator Huang Jie as the head of the Kaohsiung city party chapter. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Lai's online presence and "air combat" capabilities. Huang Jie is expected to collaborate with other newly appointed female party leaders in Taipei and New Taipei, forming a "female power" network to energize the campaign. Ke Chih-en, however, playfully countered that Kaohsiung's true "female power" would be electing a female mayor, suggesting her candidacy represents the ultimate expression of this theme. The article captures the dynamic interplay of campaign strategies, endorsements, and party maneuvering as both major parties vie for control of Taiwan's second-largest city, showcasing how local political battles are often framed through national party alignments and the cultivation of specific candidate images.

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Mayor Lu's achievements in Taichung are evident to all, and she is also a 'mother mayor.' Coming to Kaohsiung before Mother's Day to see her, and to interact with KMT councillors and meet Kaohsiung friends, one can learn a lot from her about governing a city.