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Mendiola, Palacios switch support to Fitial
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Posted on Dec 16 1999
Incumbent Rep. Alejo M. Mendiola from Rota and newly elected representative from Tinian Norman S. Palacios yesterday officially withdrew their support for Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider for speakership of the House of Representatives in favor of closest rival, former Speaker Benigno R. Fitial.
In a letter addressed to Republican Party chairman Francisco DLG. Camacho and dated Dec. 15, the two legislators said they split from the group backing Mr. Hofschneider “after seriously considering the extenuating circumstances surrounding the speakership issue” for the 12th Legislature.
“We sincerely believe that under the leadership of Representative-elect Benigno R. Fitial, the people of the CNMI, especially Tinian and Rota will greatly benefit from such leadership,” they said in a letter.
Both Mr. Mendiola, who was re-elected in the last Nov. 6 polls, and Mr. Palacios initially threw their support behind Mr. Hofschneider’s bid for the top House post during a caucus held by GOP members last month, along with seven others.
Their withdrawal ended weeks of speculations on whom they were finally supporting in the speakership battle that began immediately after the elections. Current House Speaker Diego T. Benavente decided to step down to give way to Mr. Hofschneider, who has been eyeing the post since 1997.
Members of the 18-seat chamber are expected to choose leaders of the House and chair of the various committees when they convene on the inaugural day on Jan. 10.
