Taiwan's opposition KMT is dodging questions about whether a lawmaker's controversy will hurt the party in year-end local elections — a sign of nerves inside the party.

• KMT chair Cheng Li-wun walked past reporters without answering whether legislator Weng Hsiao-ling's troubles will damage the party's election chances.
• She also refused to say whether she will show up at the campaign launch for the party's New Taipei mayoral candidate, Li Si-chuan, on the 12th.
• The silence on both questions suggests the party has not settled on how to handle the fallout.
• Instead she spoke at a cultural event for people with disabilities, promising the KMT would push for better access and legal support wherever it governs.

Outlook: Pressure will build on the KMT to address the Weng controversy directly as the year-end election campaign gets going.