The political tide in the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election appears to be sweeping toward former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda, who, along with LDP Secretary General Taro Aso, registered his candidacy Saturday. Aso, who heads his own LDP faction, was initially seen as the front-runner. But he then watched as most party factions rallied around Fukuda, who belongs to the faction led by Nobutaka Machimura. Some political observers said the reasons so many factions have backed Fukuda are varied, though they believe it in part stems from a long-held belief within the LDP that he is prime minister material.
Aso, who heads his own LDP faction, was initially seen as the front-runner. But he then watched as most party factions rallied around Fukuda, who belongs to the faction led by Nobutaka Machimura.
Some political observers said the reasons so many factions have backed Fukuda are varied, though they believe it in part stems from a long-held belief within the LDP that he is prime minister material.
The morning after Abe's surprise announcement to step down, Fukuda told his aides, "Today, the situation will change by the hour," and he refused to scotch a rumor that he intended to run to replace Abe.
cross your fingers. Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read or write.
