‘Kilili’ Sablan strides into the pages of NMI’s history books

No. 8 on the ballot, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan made history in 2008, when he became the Northern Marianas’ first-ever delegate to the U.S. Congress.

The momentous election took place on Nov. 4, 2008, a day already laden with history for the people of the Commonwealth. On that day, Northern Marianas residents marked the 22nd year since former President Ronald Regan proclaimed the U.S. trusteeship agreement under the United Nations no longer applicable to the CNMI and, under the terms of the Covenant, declared qualified residents of the CNMI became U.S. citizens.

Sablan claimed victory after beating his closest rival, seven-year Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, by 357 votes. The independent candidate also defeated seven other opponents including local television talk show host John Oliver Gonzales, retired judge Juan T. Lizama, incumbent Sen. Luis Crisostimo, former senator David Cing, businessman Chong Won, Saipan municipal councilman Felipe Atalig, and high school teacher John Davis Jr.

Even before the dust had settled, Sablan began easing into his new role. Days before the absentee votes were counted, he traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the official orientation session for newly elected members of Congress. He also met with other ranking Democrats in Congress and visited with his counterparts from the other Pacific islands.

“[T]he people of the CNMI have waited too long to be represented, so I’m not going to miss any opportunity to start building relationships in Congress and learning about the tools the Delegate will have to improve life in the CNMI,” he had said.

Sablan will be officially sworn into office on Jan. 6, 2009, when the House of Representatives convenes to begin the 111th Congress. He will join the lawmaking body as a member with limited voting powers. He can serve on committees, as well as vote on legislation at the committee level. But floor voting will not be permitted.

Similar to House members and other delegates, the CNMI delegate will be elected to Congress every two years.

The Northern Marianas is the last U.S. jurisdiction to get congressional representation. The long-coveted seat was granted the CNMI in May 9, 2008, when President Bush signed a law that also allowed Washington to take over labor and immigration controls in the Commonwealth.