A single divisive issue is dragging down Taiwan's KMT as a whole, which is bad news for the party heading into the next election cycle.

• One controversial flashpoint has become a party-wide liability rather than a local problem.
• Traditionally rock-solid KMT areas are showing cracks, with support no longer automatic.
• Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an looked uncomfortable under questioning and kept repeating the same non-answers.
• The awkward handling is feeding a wider sense that the party has no clear line on the issue.

Outlook: Expect more pressure on Chiang and other KMT figures to give a straight answer, with polling in traditional strongholds the thing to watch.