Poll: Most lawmakers get an ‘F’

Two lawmakers are receiving ‘A’ ratings while the rest of the House and Senate members are failing, according to a mid-term “report card” poll on a House member’s Web site.

Rep. Tina Sablan and House floor leader Joseph Camacho have received ‘A’ ratings on a poll on Camacho’ Web site as of Friday afternoon.

Web site visitors can grade each lawmaker individually as well as the overall Senate and House. Both the House and Senate have received overall ratings of ‘F.’ The polls will be up through the end of the month.

Camacho said the polls are a good way for members of the 16th Legislature to get an understanding of where they stand. But, he added, he knows there are built-in shortcomings. Some people might be biased and give a lawmaker an undeserving grade or over-vote.

The interesting part of the poll results so far, Camacho said, is that the number of voters between precincts varies, so it shows people are interested in voting for their own precinct. In the House of Representatives, Precinct 1 members received the highest number of votes at 96 as of Friday. In the Senate, Precinct 1 has received the highest number of votes at 57.

The House overall has not received any votes for an ‘A’ grade, while the Senate has received one ‘A’ rating vote.

In his announcement of the report card, Camacho said he gave much thought to whether or not he should post the poll.

“My colleagues at the Legislature might not appreciate being publicly graded,” he wrote in his message. “Ultimately, my decision to move forward and post this poll rested on the fundamental believe (sic) that as public officials we answer to the public. These feedbacks in the middle of a term can have positive results.”

Camacho urged voters to take the grading seriously and do their homework before they vote.

“To the individuals participating on the poll, please take the time to review the legislation introduced by members of the House and Senate. Read the Standing Committee Reports,” the Floor Leader said. “Take a look at the voting record. It may be time-consuming but please read through the Journals to see the debates and discussion. Make an informed decision. Legislators should get feedback from the public but it has to be an honest, deserved and informed feedback.”

To vote or see the results of the poll, go to http://www.camachocnmi.com/ and click on the link “Legislator’s Mid-term Report Card” near the top of the page. You may also access Camacho’s Web site by visiting www.saipantribune.com and clicking on the link at the top rightmost side of the Web page.