Former President Chen Shui-bian Endorses Shen Po-yang, Hopes for Second DPP Taipei Mayor

Former President Chen Shui-bian publicly endorsed DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang today, expressing his hope that Shen will become the second DPP member to serve as Taipei Mayor after him. Shen stated that he grew up watching Chen's campaigns and that his life has always been linked to 'A-Bian,' adding that he looks forward to seeking Chen's advice on municipal governance. The Ketagalan Foundation, founded by Chen, held its 21st-anniversary gala tonight. Attendees included Tainan mayoral candidate Chen Ting-fei, Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang, Chiayi mayoral candidate Wang Mei-hui, and DPP legislators Wang Shi-chien, Hsu Chih-chieh, and Huang Jie. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, with Chen, Chen Ting-fei, Shen, and Wang Mei-hui singing songs together to great applause. In his speech, Chen noted that since his election as Taipei Mayor in 1994, no other DPP member has held the office, but he believes the opportunity has arrived and expressed confidence in Shen. Citing the 2004 presidential election where he overcame a large polling gap, he encouraged Shen, noting there is still half a year until the November elections. Shen remarked that Chen was the best mayor in Taipei's history and that he has much to learn from him. He recalled attending Chen's campaign rallies as a child and once asking Chen's wife, Wu Shu-chen, 'When is President A-Bian coming?' Chen Ting-fei and Wang Mei-hui also mentioned receiving encouragement from Chen.