LDP Worried over Impact of Fukuoka Assembly Scandal on Elections

Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)--Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is increasingly concerned over a possible impact of a money scandal at the Fukuoka prefectural assembly on its campaign for next spring's unified local elections.

Isao Kurauchi, head of the assembly of the southwestern Japan prefecture, announced Monday his intention to resign as a member of the assembly although he stopped short of specifying a reason for the move.

Kurauchi, a member of the LDP, told reporters on Wednesday last week that he plans to step down as assembly head at an appropriate time to take responsibility for the turmoil at the assembly.

Past heads and deputy heads of the assembly have stated that they had paid large amounts of cash to senior officials of the LDP group in the assembly before assuming their posts.

The LDP's headquarters has taken a wait-and-see stance over the Fukuoka assembly issue since it came to light in July.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]