Scandal-hit LDP heavyweight Nikai not to run in next general election

Toshihiro Nikai, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party heavyweight, said Monday that he will not run in the next general election to take responsibility for his intraparty faction's involvement in a political funds scandal.Announcing his decision before Prime Minister Fumio Kishida makes a final decision on disciplinary steps over the scandal, Nikai, 85, a former party secretary general who has worked for better ties with China and South Korea, apologized for the scandal, saying, "It is entirely my responsibility" as head of his faction.Nikai's announcement came as the LDP is considering taking…READ FULL ARTICLE