GOP presents ‘choice’ candidates

The ruling Republican Party is now almost complete with its official lineup for the Nov. 5 general elections.

GOP executive director Felipe Atalig said yesterday that only two slots need to be filled. These include one Senate seat for Saipan and one House slot for Precinct 2.

“We’re complete except for these two. We still want to fill these slots,” he said.

He said the party hopes to announce the second Senate candidate for Saipan in the coming days.

This person would take the place of Sen. Pete P. Reyes, who was recently denied party endorsement for not agreeing to support the party’s standard bearer.

Right now, GOP only endorses the re-election bid of Saipan Sen. Thomas “Kiyu” Villagomez.

The Precinct 2 vacant slot may be filled no later than June, Atalig said.

The party currently endorses the candidacy of Atalig’s son, Eric B. Atalig, for the Precinct 2 House seat. Precinct 2 covers Chalan Kanoa and Susupe.

Meantime, the Republican Party’s Precinct 4 candidates are newcomers Enrique Dela Cruz and Candido Taman. Dela Cruz works at the Department of Public Works’ Solid Waste/Recycling Division while Taman is reportedly a linguistics coordinator at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. Precinct 4 areas include Tanapag, San Roque, and Capitol Hill.

For Precinct 3, the GOP has the following candidates: incumbent congressmen Ramon Tebuteb and Norman I. Palacios and newcomers Francisco Q. Guerrero of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board, and Francisco I. Aquino.

Precinct 3 is the second largest precinct, which covers Garapan, Gualo Rai, Navy Hill, and a portion of Sadog Tasi.

For Precinct 1, considered the largest precinct, GOP’s candidates consist of incumbent Reps. Benjamin B. Seman, Joseph Deleon Guerrero, and Martin Ada; newcomer Edward T. Salas, former congressman Manuel A. Tenorio, and new member, congresswoman Janet U. Maratita.

The party supports James A. Ada for Saipan mayor and David Peter for the Northern Island mayoralty post.

For Tinian, GOP endorses Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano as mayor, Ramon Dela Cruz and Jude U. Hofschneider as senators, and Rep. Norman S. Palacios for the House of Representatives.

Rota candidates are Vicente M. Atalig as mayor, Diego Songao and Paterno Hocog for the Senate, and Juan Ayuyu for the House.

The party supports the re-election bid of Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio and the second term of Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.

“We’re seeing a sweeping victory for the Republican Party this year,” said Atalig yesterday.