Former "Will Become the Flagbearer of the Chungcheong-Centered Theory"
Ruling Party Regional Heads Check Han Dong-hoon
Won Hee-ryong, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, met with Kim Tae-heum, governor of Chungnam Province, marking his third consecutive day of courting votes in the Chungcheong region. Governor Kim, who had been critical of candidate Han Dong-hoon’s bid, continued his pointed criticism.
On the morning of the 3rd, candidate Won met with Governor Kim and Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho at Sejong City Hall, saying, "We must play the role of winning the hearts of our people in Chungcheong," and added, "I will be the standard-bearer of the Chungcheong-centered theory." He continued, "If Chungcheong takes the lead in appointing the Prime Minister, ministers, vice ministers, and heads of public institutions, we can understand public sentiment and reflect it in state affairs," emphasizing, "There must be support and expectations for our party from Chungcheong residents for us to win in the metropolitan area." Previously, on the 1st and 2nd, candidate Won met consecutively with Chungbuk Governor Kim Young-hwan and Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo.
Governor Kim said that day, "In politics, regardless of whether one has done well or poorly, it is common sense to take moral responsibility when election results or political issues arise." At a press conference marking his second anniversary in office on the 1st, Governor Kim also told candidate Han, "He should take time to reflect on the crushing defeat in the general election."
Besides Governor Kim, metropolitan leaders from the People Power Party such as Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo have criticized candidate Han’s bid. Mayor Lee said on the 1st, "(Candidate Han) bears some responsibility for the general election defeat."
After a failed meeting with candidate Han, Mayor Lee said in a media interview, "Candidate Han needs to study more," and criticized, "Anyone who does not realize that the Democratic Party is pushing the Corporal Special Prosecutor Act as a political attack and recklessly accepts it is not a politician."
Mayor Hong has continued to attack candidate Han following the People Power Party’s defeat in the general election. On the 30th of last month, he posted on social media, "It is a spectacle to see the main culprits of the general election defeat suddenly appear as running mates, deceiving party members and the public," and warned, "If we choose the wrong party leadership this time, it is clear we will be in opposition for another 10 years. We must stop being swayed by political novices and come to our senses." Mayor Hong declined to meet with candidate Han but met with candidate Won as well as candidates Na Kyung-won and Yoon Sang-hyun.
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