Who cares what happens?

So, I'm still stuck on this theme of party elections, and today reports on general lack of enthusiasm for the DPJ leadership race.  Don't be excited.

民主は落ち目・誰が なっても厳しい…代表選 に声

１０日告示の民主党代表選は１２日間にわた る４候補の「舌戦」に突入した。

一方、政権奪還を目指す自民党はこの日、谷 垣禎一総裁が１４日告示の総裁選への出馬断念 を表明。両党とも次期衆院選の「顔」選びが本 格化する中、民主代表選に出馬した各候補者の 地元などでは「誰がなっても厳しい状況は同 じ」との声も上がった。

この日、午前９時半過ぎに首相官邸に姿を見 せた野田佳彦首相は、報道陣から代表選への意 気込みを聞かれても無言のまま。淡々とした様 子で笑顔はなかった。首相に挑む３候補は、都 内で相次いで決意を表明。「原発ゼロ」を打ち 出した赤松広隆元農相は「このままでは党がと けてなくなる」と厳しい表情。原口一博元総務 相は「分裂、離党、除名を繰り返し、国民の信 頼を失わせた」と頭を下げた。鹿野道彦前農相 は「党の立て直しに全力を尽くしたい」と決意 を語った。

野田首相の再選が有力視される中での代表選 とあって、各候補の地元からは、「懸案の政策 について議論を深めてほしい」などの注文も。 赤松元農相の地元、愛知県では、後援会連合会 の小鹿実会長（８１）が「野田首相の信任投票 と言われている民主党代表選は、自民党総裁選 と比べて注目度は低い。国民に信頼される党に 再生するきっかけになれば」と論戦に期待を込 めた。

一方、東日本大震災の被災地からは厳しい意 見も。宮城県気仙沼市の菅原茂市長は「通常国 会の最後に空転した。支援が遅れないようにし てほしい」と指摘。福島県南相馬市の仮設住宅 で暮らす男性（７７）は「政治は被災地を向い ていない。誰が代表になっても期待はできな い」とした。

また、鹿野前農相の地元では、山形市の会社 員男性が「民主党は落ち目。だれが代表に選ば れてもやりたいことはできないのではないか」 と冷ややかに語った。

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/news/20120910-OYT1T00710.htm

DPJ waning: Whoever wins the leadership race will face difficult circumstances

With the kick-off of the DPJ leadership race on the 10 th , the four candidates have rushed into a 12-day long war of words.

On the one hand, as the LDP aims to return to government, current party head Sadakazu Tanigaki abandoned the idea of running in the LDP leadership race that begins on the 14 th . Both parties are in the midst of trying to choose their “face” for the next Lower House elections, but the general consensus regarding the DPJ leadership race is that “It will be a difficult situation, regardless of who wins.”

This morning just after 9 am, Prime Minister Yoshihiro Noda appeared before reporters, but said nothing when asked about enthusiasm for the leadership race. He didn’t smile, showing no interest. Three candidates announced their intention to challenge the prime minister in Tokyo. Former Agriculture Minister Hirotaka Akamatsu, running on a campaign of “Zero nuclear power” was critical, “At this rate, the party will melt away.” Former Internal Affairs Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi

dismissed him, saying, “There has been nothing but internal conflict, defections, and expulsions. He’s lost the trust of the nation.” Former Agriculture Minister Michihiko Kano announced his decision, stating “I want to put all my energy to restoring the party.”

While it appears that Prime Minister Noda is likely to be re-elected, the home district for each candidate is indicating that a deeper discussion of pending policy questions is desirable. Former Agriculture Minister Akamatsu’s home district, Aichi Prefecture, the chair of his election committee, Mr Kojika (81), noted that “The vote of confidence of Prime Minister Noda and the DPJ leadership election have garnered little attention compared to the LDP leadership race. If only this could be a chance for us to be reborn as the party the people trust…” He emphasized his hope in the debates.

On the other hand, opinions from the area affected by the Eastern Japan earthquake were harsh. The mayor of Kessennuma City in Miyagai Prefecture, Shigeru Sugawara, pointed out that “The Diet is completely stalled and I don’t want assistance to be delayed.” A 77-year old man living in temporary housing in Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture said, “The government isn’t paying the disaster area any attention. I don’t expect anything regardless of who’s elected.”

Also, in former Agricultural Minister Kano’s home district, a company employee in Yamagata City said indifferently, “The DPJ is waning. Will whoever is elected be able to do anything?”