Taiwan's local election race is heating up as smaller parties bring in their biggest names to draw crowds, a boost for the Taiwan People's Party candidate in New Taipei.

• Former Taiwan People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je hit the streets of Banqiao's busy Fuzhong shopping district to campaign for New Taipei city council candidate Lin Zi-yu.
• The half-hour walkabout handed out small campaign giveaways like sponges, tissues and trash bags.
• Supporters mobbed Ko for photos and shouted encouragement, a sign his personal draw still pulls voters despite his legal troubles.
• A lost credit card turned up on the street mid-walkabout; after calls for the owner went unanswered, it was handed to local police.

Outlook: Expect more big-name party figures on the campaign trail as the November 28 local elections approach.