But the deputy commissioner said Wu tried to influence the process because she favored another person for the county post. The festive ambiance of the inaugural events was nearly spoiled by the unexpected change in the Cabinet lineup Friday. Chen Tang-shan's refusal caught the new government by surprise, forcing a hasty search for a replacement. In the process of forming the Cabinet, President Chen invited three current county chiefs to join the new government, while leaving the problem of succession to those stepping up.
Current regulations state that the final decision is in the hands of the interior ministry.
While Chen Tang-shan had insisted on Lin, the DPP was also considering others, such as Su. Poor coordination over the issue led to confusion, yet after a May 17 meeting of DPP factions, a consensus was reached that Chen would step in. However, a day later, after a meeting with President Chen, Su emerged as the favored candidate. Wu acknowledged she had became acquainted with Su when he worked at Chen's law firm from 1983 to 1984, but she insisted this association did not mean she had exerted any influence on the selection of the acting commissioner. The first lady is renowned for standing aloof from politics, not to mention not sticking her foot into personnel arrangements.