Venezuela primary called off

[Judi Lynn]

Thursday, August 10, 2006 - Page updated at 12:00 AM
Venezuela primary called off
By Chris Kraul

Los Angeles Times

CARACAS, Venezuela — Eight candidates opposing Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez called off a primary election set for Sunday, saying they had unanimously agreed to support the front-runner and best-financed among them, Gov. Manuel Rosales.

The announcement is seen as yielding to the financial and political costs of holding a primary and to the reality that Rosales stands the best chance against Chávez in the Dec. 3 presidential race.

Previously, Rosales, the governor of Zulia state, and seven other politicians had decided to participate in a winner-take-all primary to choose a candidate whom they all would support.

The presidential campaign kicks off this week, and Chávez is expected to file for re-election Saturday. The former army paratrooper, who took power in 1999 and has survived a coup attempt, a crippling general strike and a recall election, is the heavy favorite to win another term.
(snip/...)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003187726_venezuela10.html



Hugo Chavez, Gov. Manuel Rosales