Support for Taipei Mayor Shen Po-yang has spread to Puli in Nantou County, where residents have formed their own support association to drum up votes for him — positive news for his political momentum.

• A group of Puli residents has set up a LINE group as a support association, sharing updates on Shen Po-yang every day and rallying votes for him.
• Local ties are key: Shen Po-yang's mother is from Puli and once taught English at Puli Elementary School. He also attended school in Puli as a child and spent his winter and summer holidays there, with older residents calling him "Puli's grandson."
• County councillor Chen Yi-chun has publicly stated that she is a member of the support association, and has even named her battling top "Ocean Current" in a nod to Shen Po-yang's orange campaign colour.
• That same day, Shen Po-yang appeared in Nantou at a rally for the support association of county magistrate candidate Wen Shih-cheng, publicly declaring his backing.
• His signature policy proposals on ecosystems and green coverage have been well received locally, and are among the reasons supporters cite for rallying behind him.

Outlook: This cross-county wave of support could be mobilised further in next year's local elections, giving a boost to the relevant candidates in Nantou.