Discordant voices within the Green camp over the Taipei mayoral race are putting pressure on Democratic Progressive Party candidate Puma Shen, while also serving as a reminder that he needs to shore up his campaign tactics.

• Former minister without portfolio Chang Ching-sen said publicly that the Taipei mayoral race is currently "nothing much to watch," and pointed out that Shen has yet to consult Chen Shui-bian on campaign strategy.
• Chang praised Shen for his diligence on municipal affairs, but felt he lacked force in his political tactics.
• Shen responded that this was a senior figure "setting up a play" to remind him, and said that arrangements are in place for the future with both Chen Shui-bian and Tsai Ing-wen, asking everyone to wait and see.
• He linked his first policy platform, the "civil servant stress-reduction plan," to Chen Shui-bian's reforms of the civil service system back in the day, arguing that the city government must be willing to admit mistakes and not conceal data.
• In opinion polls, Chen Shui-bian remains the best-performing mayor in the minds of Taipei residents, far ahead of Ma Ying-jeou, Ko Wen-je and incumbent Chiang Wan-an.

Outlook: With 100 days left until the year-end election, Shen is expected to step up visits to local power brokers and arrange public joint campaign appearances with Chen Shui-bian and Tsai Ing-wen.