Former Osaka Vice Gov. Tadakazu Konishi agreed Monday to be the Liberal Democratic Party candidate for governor in next month*s election, ending a frantic search to find a candidate.

But local political and business leaders remain concerned about who will support him and what Osaka*s chaotic political situation now means not only for local politics but also the economy, as well as local preparations for major international events like June*s Group of 20 Leaders* Summit.

※I am entering the race because I*m not convinced of (the wisdom of) the public offices of governor and mayor being used to carry out an election,§ Konishi said at a news conference Friday evening to announce his candidacy.