Sablan faces Babauta in GOP primary

Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and Resident Representative to Washington Juan N. Babauta led the pack of few Republican members who have expressed intention this early to run in next year’s general elections in the CNMI.

The GOP closed on Friday the acceptance of “letters of declaration” or “notices of intent” from aspirants seeking the party’s nomination for the positions of governor, lieutenant governor and resident representative to the United States as well as mayor and senators for Saipan.

Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, who earlier had announced plan to vie for GOP’s candidate as Washington representative, has reportedly backed out from the race due to the alleged exorbitant fee being charged by the party for each declaration.

The party is asking each election hopeful to pay a non-refundable fee of $20,000 for Washington representative and $30,000 for governor, with slightly lower rate for other positions. The high fees have discouraged other GOP members who have political plans next year from joining the race.

But Mr. Hofschneider submitted his letter of intent to Republican Chairman Joseph C. Reyes without the required fee, according to the candidates committee.

Former Lt. Gov. Pete A. Tenorio also handed in his letter early last month seeking GOP’s endorsement for the Washington representative’s office, in which he renewed his bid after giving up in the 1997 general elections in favor of Mr. Babauta who is now facing Mr. Sablan in the fight to get the party’s nomination for the CNMI’s highest elected post.

A primary is expected to be held by the GOP — the ruling party that controls majority seats in the Legislature — later this year or early next year ahead of the November 2001 polls to select its standard bearer.

Mr. Sablan is running with Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, while Rep. Diego T. Benavente is the running mate of Mr. Babauta. Both camps have announced their bids early this year and have since hit the campaign trail to woo support.

The GOP’s gubernatorial candidate will likely face former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja of the Democratic Party and former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio of the Reform Party.

Meanwhile, for the two Saipan senatorial seats up for grabs in the balloting, Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes and Rep. David M. Apatang have submitted their letters.

For the mayoralty race, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chair David Igitol has joined a crowded field of potential candidates that included former Rep. Frank G. Cepeda and Henry I. Sablan. Incumbent Mayor Jose C. Sablan has announced his intention not to seek re-election due to health problems.

The 2001 general elections will choose the CNMI governor/lt. governor, six members of the nine-seat Senate, all 18 members of the House of Representatives, as well as mayors of Rota, Saipan, Tinian and the Northern Islands, members of their respective municipal councils and Board of Education representatives.