http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/world/asia/03japan.html?em
The current favorite to replace the 72-year-old Mr. Fukuda is Taro Aso, 67, an outspoken, conservative former foreign minister who has scored poorly in public opinion polls.
Mr. Aso, whom Mr. Fukuda defeated to become prime minister last year, has called for more government spending to boost the economy, unlike the fiscally hawkish Mr. Fukuda. On Tuesday, he announced his candidacy for leader of the Liberal Democrats, which will be decided in a vote on Sept. 22.
