Shaul Mofaz, who continues to trail Tzipi Livni in the Kadima primary polls, is exhibiting an air of optimism ahead of this week’s party leadership race. Despite less than encouraging polls, he announced on Sunday that his information indicates he will emerge the victor, in the first round, with 43.7% of the vote.

Leading the party leadership race on the other hand is Tzipi Livni, who at a Sunday night election rally exhibited concern, urging registered party members to “get out and vote,” afraid a lagging voter turnout will hurt her more than the other candidates.

Responding to Mofaz’s announcement, Livni camp officials called the poll “ridiculous,” attributing it to the stress Mofaz is under due to the realization that he has been unable to narrow the gap between his second place standing and Livni, who has maintained her first place slot throughout the entire campaign.

As Livni was ending her campaign on Sunday night, Kadima Minister Chaim Ramon lashed out against her for remaining silent on key issues, stating, “She believes because of the primaries she must remain silent on important matters.”

Ramon, who is pushing his expulsion/compensation plan, is also angry at Livni, who feels the outgoing administration should not be addressing such a major issue. Ramon stated that it is clear to all that there is an overwhelming majority for the plan and therefore, Livni should be voicing an opinion and not hiding behind the primaries.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)