Japan LDP mulls endorsing members punished over scandal in Diet race

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering endorsing lawmakers who were punished for failing to report political funds to run as its official candidates in the upcoming general election, sources familiar with the plan said Friday, in a setback for the party's new leader Shigeru Ishiba.The plan could draw fresh criticism about the LDP's handling of the slush funds scandal that damaged voter confidence, despite Ishiba's pledge to revamp the party and restore public trust in politics. He became prime minister on Tuesday.The Oct. 27 election will be the first since the mishandling o…READ FULL ARTICLE