Hundreds attend GOP kick-off campaign

Hundreds of supporters flocked Monday night to the Republican Party’s kick-off campaign held at the Koblerville basketball court in a run-up to the Nov. 6 midterm elections as its lead over main opposition continues to strengthen.

Party stalwarts said most GOP candidates to the Senate and the House of Representatives have strong chance to beat their opponents, noting that they are more “organized and cohesive” compared to Democrats or the Reform Party.

“We want to keep our unity intact,” said party chairman Frank Camacho. “Our probability to win in the polls is pretty high.”

Republicans have scheduled several pocket meetings in the next few weeks just before election day to ensure victory of their candidates. A final rally will be held on Nov. 4.

“We have a very good chance in winning in the Senate and throughout the four precincts on Saipan. We hope we will win and we want to win,” added Camacho.

Incumbent Sen. Juan “Morgen” P. Tenorio is seeking fresh term for the lone Saipan senatorial seat up on Nov. 6 while 18 GOP other bets are gunning for seats in the lower house.

For Precinct 1, incumbents Reps. David M. Apatang, Manuel A. Tenorio, Karl T. Reyes, Herman T. Palacios and Ana S. Teregeyo lead the pack with newcomer Martin B. Ada.

For Precinct 2, House Speaker Diego T. Benavente and Rep. Oscar M. Babauta are seeking reelection.

For Precinct 3, incumbents Reps. Heinz S. Hofschneider, Melvin O. Faisao and Vice Speaker Jesus T. Attao are joined by veterans, former Speaker Benigno R. Fitial and Stanley Torres, and newcomer William S. Torres.

For Precinct 4, incumbent Rep. Frank S. Cepeda and Tom B. Pangelinan carry the party’s banner.

According to Camacho, the party committee in each precinct has its own platform presented to the people, such as infrastructure improvement projects.

Republicans will continue to seek ways to improve the economy and delivery of public services as well as increase funding for education, health and safety of the community, the chairman said.

“We feel that the best way to get this policy going is to have both Republican legislature and Republican administration so that in this way we have consonant ideas on how to run this government,” he said.

In an interview, Morgen expressed confidence over getting the most votes, citing the turnout of his recent fundraising event and the support shown by the people at Monday’s campaign.

“It seems like the committee is doing a tremendous job. We’ll maintain the same phase until election day,” he said. “I am a little bit more comfortable now.”

Apatang said the candidates will continue their campaign in the precinct level to ensure victory. “We are working hard trying to get elected, but let the public decide.”

Reyes, on the other hand, stressed the need to immerse themselves more in the grassroots level to inform the people of what they have done since their campaign promises in the last elections.

“We are earnest in our efforts to convince the public. We have to go out and talk to them. The competition is on an equal playing field so we have to work on our performance,” the representative said.

As newcomer to the political arena, Ada said he would respect the people’s decisions come Nov. 6. “I’m just doing my homework as someone who is running and doing his best. This is a fair game for every candidate. Everyone should do his part and let the people decide,” he said. (BS)