Go to contents

Lee Myung-bak, “Election Strategy Committee to Be Established Next Month”

Lee Myung-bak, “Election Strategy Committee to Be Established Next Month”

Posted August. 25, 2007 03:26,   

한국어

Grand National Party presidential candidate Lee Myong-bak said yesterday appearing for the first time in his party office in Yeouido after the primary, “Presenting a draft should be our priority. Focus on working one out that is future-oriented and concrete.”

Lee’ remarks show his commitment that in the presidential race, too, he will place an emphasis on setting up visions and future-oriented strategies, which were the key for his victory, differentiating him with other nominees in the primary.

Lee was briefed for 4.5 hours from major party members about party affairs in his office. He listened for most of the time, but expressed opinions or asked questions when it came to issues related to the economy.

A Preparation Council Should Be Launched As Soon As Possible-

After talking about when to establish an election preparation council and strategy committee, he added that the head secretary for the presidential candidate and other posts will be determined as early as this weekend, said GNP spokesperson Na Kyung-won.

Posts, including head secretary, secretary general, and spokesperson of GNP, are likely to be decided in the near future. Lawmakers Yim Tae-hee, Kwon Chul-hyun, Choi Byong-gook, and the director of Yeouido Institute Yoon Yeo-joon are candidates for head secretary; lawmakers Kwon Oh-eul, Lee Bahng-ho, An Kyung-yul are candidates for secretary general; and lawmakers Nah Kyung-won, Park Hyeong-joon, and Jung Jong-bok are rumored to be among the popular favors for the spokesperson’s post. However, it is also possible that an unexpected person from outside the party will be elected for these posts, since Lee has not expressed his preference over anyone, yet.

Close aides to the former Seoul mayor are saying that the head secretary should assist the candidate closely and needs to see eye to eye with Lee on all issues. They also say that the secretary general needs to “click” with the candidate because he or she will need to manage party finances.

Lee also said that an election to determine the floor leader due to be held on August 27 should be free from any pressure. He said, “Party members should not be pressed to elect a certain candidate as a floor leader. I don’t know who the candidates are, and I am not going to meddle in it. Lawmakers who belonged to my camp will never try to temper it either, I guarantee.”

“A Gradual Change Needs to Be Pursued” –

Lee focused on changes in his party that were substantial and gradual in his speech yesterday. The GNP presidential candidate said, “Let’s carry out an election campaign that is different from the one carried out by the incumbent administration five years ago. Let’s add new elements and coordinate with them instead of rehashing what’s been done in the past. Reform will not happen by changing a leader, but by innovating ourselves little by little to reach more citizens.”

Lee said, “We need to find a corporate image expert to analyze how our party image is viewed by the public. Instead of calling ourselves conservatives, we need to ask people whether it is the economy or conservatives that they associate us with.”

The presidential candidate also said, “PR work should also be performed by professionals; any intervention by a candidate can make things go wrong,” emphasizing the importance of PR. It may be that he was conscious of criticism that Park Geun-hye’s camp was ahead of his camp in the PR and video sections in the primary.

When it came to issues related to campaign policies and promises, he said, “They need to be practical and doable. In education, for instance, concrete methods as to how private education costs can be saved need to be devised.”

He was asked about the shut down of article delivery rooms by the incumbent administration when he was leaving for lunch, passing by the press room in his party office, and he replied, “I believe that an environment should be created where reporters feel free to cover stories well.” Then he asked, “But why do you think that the administration is pushing for such a measure with only a few more months in power?”

Screening Commissioners Are My Favorite People-

Lee had lunch with those who were in charge of screening him and GNP presidential hopefuls. He said, “During the verification process, I never wanted to see you again, but after the primary, you are the ones that I wanted to see the most. I believe the screening process gave me extra strength, and a chance to learn more. Maybe you can help me by providing “customer service” during the presidential race.”

He came by the workshop held by GNP aide council in the Members’ Office Building and pleaded to aides, “Let’s reform the current administration by joining forces.”