GOP labels as ‘outrageous’ accusations on utility vouchers

The NMI Republican Party has described as “outrageous” the allegations claimed by the camp of Heinz Hofschneider and Ray Yumul regarding the release of $10 million in utility vouchers.

“It is extremely unfortunate that our opponents have resorted to attacking on an issue that is patently outrageous,” said GOP media & public relations chair Ivan A. Blanco in an email to Saipan Tribune.

Blanco was referring to a media release by the independent bets that accuses Gov. Eloy S. Inos and his running mate, Ralph DLG. Torres (R-Saipan), of timing the release of utility vouchers from Best Sunshine International Ltd. to benefit the GOP campaign for the Nov. 4 elections as well as the Nov. 21 runoff elections for governor.

“As our opponent’s running mate, who served in the Legislature during the discussions of the legislation is fully aware, Best Sunshine, as a private company, offered the utility vouchers to the people on their own initiative as part of their Community Benefit Fund. As our opponent’s running mate is even more aware, the executive office was not involved in the discussions with private companies, it was the Legislature. As our opponent is also aware, some of their closest advisors also serve as advisors to the private company. The governor found out through the media about Best Sunshine’s offer to the public as well as the date of the release of those funds,” added Blanco in the email to Saipan Tribune.

The member of the Legislature Blanco is alluding to is former Senate floor leader Yumul. Hofschenider himself is not alien to Capital Hill, having been a former House speaker himself.

“The governor would recommend that our opponents discuss the issue with each other as our opponent’s running mate voted ‘present’ during all discussions on the legislation, and we would argue that he has a better knowledge of the workings of the private company than we do. The governor does find it interesting that at no point during the discussions of the donation to CUC a few months ago in the Legislature did our opponent raise this as an issue.”

Blanco also appealed to Hofschneider and Yumul to stick to the issue and not resort to dirty political tactics.

“Again the governor would respectfully ask that his opponent would stick by their statement made on KSPN seven days ago that he wants a clean campaign on the issues.”