Is Kono, the only faction-backed candidate to lead LDP, still a maverick?

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Masato Kamikubo, a Ritsumeikan University political scientist, suggests that unlike the 2021 presidential election, in which Kono operated as a true maverick, Aso’s endorsement indicates that his slush funds comment might be something calibrated to win support from critics of the faction system.

“The slush funds statement contains a strong message that the LDP will change. If Kono said it with the support and confidence of Aso, it’s a departure from what Kono has said and done in the past and appears more strategic,” he said.

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Is Kono, the only faction-backed candidate to lead LDP, still a maverick?