Last update - 00:00 03/06/2007
MK appears on supporters lists of two candidates for presidency
By Mazal Mualem, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service
MK Shai Hermesh (Kadima), was listed amongst supporters of two leading candidates for the presidency, Reuven Rivlin (Likud) and Vice Premier Shimon Peres, (Kadima) in lists presented to members of the Shas party.
Kadima sources have stated that until recently, Hermesh did support Rivlin for the presidency, but after speaking with senior members of Kadima, decided to lend his support to Peres instead.
Sources close to Hermesh said in response that when it comes time to vote, Hermesh will make his decision.
The head of the Shas party, MK Eli Yishai has stated that he plans on personally checking the reliability of the supporters lists that were presented to him by the campaigns of Peres and Rivlin.
The lists have the potential to influence which candidate receives the support of Shas in the presidential elections, which would influence which candidate Shas voters support, potentially determining the outcome of the election.
Shas leaders have stated that as in the last presidential election in 2000, Shas will not rely solely on the endorsement lists presented to them by the candidates, and will independently check the veracity of each endorsement.
Sources in Shas have also stated that they are leaning towards supporting Peres, in keeping with Yishai's recent statement that "The heart of Shas is with Peres."
Nonetheless, the party wants to remain the determining factor in the election, and will carry out the independent list checks in the coming days. Shas sources stated that if the checks reveal there is no significant difference between Rivlin or Peres, they will lend their support to Peres.