Gyeonggi governor to run in presidential race

Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo has apparently made up his mind to run in the Dec. 19 presidential election on the ruling Saenuri Party’s ticket, and is weighing whether and when to resign from the gubernatorial post, according to news reports. 

Following his official announcement for his Blue House bid, other ruling party hopefuls such as Rep. Chung Mong-joon are expected to declare their participation in the competitive intra-party race for the presidential nomination. 

"Governor Kim has made up his mind toward running in the presidential race. He is now thinking of when to declare his bid officially,” his aide told media, declining to be named.

On Friday, Lee met with Rep. Lee Jae-oh, a key member of the party faction closely affiliated with President Lee Myung-bak, to discuss procedures for the primary and other party issues. 

Other aides said that he has yet to determine when to step down from the top post of the province. Under the party rules, a candidate can run in a presidential race while in office. But running for presidency while maintaining his provincial job could lead to criticism from his political foes.

On the back of the surprise win in the April 11 general elections, Rep. Park Geun-hye, the party’s interim leader, is leading the ruling bloc’s presidential hopefuls in terms of popularity. 

Former party chief Rep. Chung is expected to declare his bid for presidency soon. Rep. Lee is also reportedly mulling running in the race. Speculation has also abounded that former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan may run in the election.