Candidates Differ on Rebuilding Before Japan Leadership Vote
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Japan’s ruling party today chooses Naoto Kan’s successor as prime minister following weekend debates that revealed differences over how to cover the costs of rebuilding from the March 11 earthquake and a nuclear meltdown.
The Democratic Party of Japan will elect its third leader since taking power two years ago after Kan announced his resignation last week, undone by public discontent with his handling of the disaster. Ex-Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, who polls show is the public’s favorite, is vying with Trade Minister Banri Kaieda, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, and two others to become the country’s sixth premier in five years.