Ozawa Should Lead DPJ's Upper House Election Campaigns: Official

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--The ruling Democratic Party of Japan
should fight the House of Councillors election in July with
Secretary-General Ichiro Ozawa in command, a senior DPJ lawmaker said in a
recent interview.

In the interview with Jiji Press held Tuesday, DPJ Senior Vice
Secretary-General Yoshimitsu Takashima complained about the recent arrests
of House of Representatives member Tomohiro Ishikawa and two other people
closely linked with Ozawa on suspicion of false reporting of political
funds.
"Usually, those misreporting political funds do not face criminal
charges if they correct the data," Takashima said.
"If the prosecutors arrested the three for mere violations of
formalities, their action should be taken as excessive. And if they suspect
bribery, they should be blamed for arresting the three on unrelated
charges," he argued.
"There are signs that prosecutors are intentionally trying to bring
down our administration and deal a blow to the DPJ," he said. "The party
needs to fight back against prosecutors' attack."
Takashima admitted the scandal will have a negative impact on the
Upper House election at least to some extent.
"But if Ozawa is proved innocent and stays on as secretary-general,
the DPJ will be able to gain more ground in the coming election," Takashima
said.


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