Teno calls for unity

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday called for unity in the Republican Party following Saturday’s open primary that saw the defeat of Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan in seeking the nomination as its official gubernatorial candidate in next year’s election.

“I am happy that the primary is [over] and people went out and voted for their choice,” the Republican governor told reporters in an interview.

“People have spoken, so it’s about time that we work together and see what will happen in the coming year,” he added.

The local chief executive offered his congratulations to Washington Rep. Juan N. Babauta and running-mate Rep. Diego T. Benavente who won by a landslide over Mr. Sablan and Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez.

He expressed confidence that the two teams would now join efforts in campaigning for the November 2001 polls in order for the ruling party to retain its hold in the government.

“I’m happy that both candidates, the Pepero-Kiyu and the Babauta-Benavente, have made a commitment that they would help each other,” he said.

Mr. Tenorio ran with Mr. Sablan in the 1997 election under the GOP banner, defeating then-incumbent Democrat Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio to take the highest elected post in the CNMI for the third time.

While he previously said he would back the Republican gubernatorial candidate who would emerge in the primary, Mr. Tenorio declined to comment when asked whether he is now endorsing Mr. Babauta as his successor.

The governor had refused to publicly announce his personal bet before the Nov. 4 political exercise in an apparent effort to avoid choosing sides within the party.

Pepero-Kiyu conceded defeat after the results of the primary showed their rivals were leading by 1,199 votes. They received 4,220 votes as opposed to Babauta-Benavente’s 5,419 votes.

But the two vowed to abide by the people’s decision, saying they would honor their commitment to support the winning ticket for the 2001 polls.

Babauta-Benavente immediately reached out to the other camp to join them to foster unity and ensure victory of GOP in the gubernatorial election where they are expected to square off with Democrats’ bet former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja and Reform Party stalwart ex-Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio.