Government Information Office Minister Johnny Chiang submitted his resignation last week, ready to enter the upcoming legislative race in Taichung on behalf of the KMT. And the battle waiting for him is not going to be easy, with three popular DPP politicians, Kuo Chun-ming, Chiu Tai-san, and Hsieh Chih-chung being his potential competitor.

Former Government Information Office Minister Johnny Chiang resigned from his post to run for legislator in his hometown of Taichung.

Chiang, who has a background in academia and is widely regarded as a clean, young politician, is confident that youth support will help him win the election.

He is the nephew of DPP-affiliated former National Security Bureau advisor Chiang Chun-nan, and therefore has strong ties to the pan-green camp.

His father-in-law, Liu Sheng-liang, is a veteran KMT lawmaker. Chiang also has the support of several Taichung County Red Faction heavyweights, including Presidential Secretary-General Liao Liou-yi and Taichung City Vice Mayor Hsu Chung-hsiung.

The DPP's candidate pool, meanwhile, includes former legislators Chiu Tai-san and Kuo Chun-ming, and Taichung City councilor Hsieh Chih-chung. All three are members of the DPP's New Tide faction.

Shortly after resigning from his GIO post, Chiang began paying visits to influential members of the local community.

As next year's presidential and legislative elections will be held concurrently, Chiang feels that he is not only representing himself, but President Ma Ying-jeou as well.