Rising LDP star Koizumi to announce party leadership bid next week

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi will announce on Sept. 6 his bid for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, his office said Wednesday, in his first attempt to become prime minister.Koizumi, 43, has gained support from younger LDP members, and the entry into the Sept. 27 party presidential race of one of the public favorites for future leader could spark greater interest in the election. However, some question whether the fifth-term lower house member has the experience to lead the ruling party.Koizumi was initially expected to announce his candidacy thi…READ FULL ARTICLE