A Hsinchu city councillor denied his party's backing will run anyway, a setback for the KMT's local slate and a sign of how a corruption conviction is reshaping the race.

• Huang Wen-cheng has picked up his candidacy papers and will register on Aug. 31 to seek re-election as a Hsinchu city councillor.
• The KMT's Hsinchu branch passed him over for nomination because of his ongoing court case.
• His assistant, Huang Wan-yen, had the party's nomination and was meant to run in his place, but will not register now.
• Huang and fellow councillor Wu Kuo-pao were convicted at first instance of signing in for council meetings they skipped and collecting the attendance and travel money; both got suspended sentences and are appealing.
• The appeal verdict, once expected in July, was pushed back for more hearings, leaving his legal status unresolved as he campaigns.

Outlook: Registration closes Sept. 4, so the KMT faces a split vote in the district while Huang's appeal hangs over his campaign.