Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama and deputy chief Katsuya Okada, the two candidates running in Saturday's DPJ presidential race, said Thursday resigning President Ichiro Ozawa will still serve in a key post.
Their remarks indicate that the scandal-hit Ozawa will remain a kingpin in the party and continue to exercise influence from behind the scenes even after he is replaced — the way Ozawa has wielded power throughout his political career.
While Okada is favored in national opinion polls and is gaining support from the anti-Ozawa faction, Hatoyama reportedly has the backing of Ozawa and his followers, placing Okada at a likely disadvantage.