Pepero launches gubernatorial bid

Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan formally announced his bid in the 2001 gubernatorial elections in a hastily-planned gathering last night attended by more than 500 of his supporters, family and friends.

But he did not disclose who will be his running mate, saying only that he will make an announcement before Easter this March. He also refused to reveal how many are under consideration and who are in the list.

His intention to seek the highest post of the land came a day after Juan N. Babauta, CNMI’s representative to the United States, and Rep. Diego T. Benavente, made a similar announcement in a bid to get the Republican Party’s endorsement.

Amid the U.S. Senate’s action on a federal immigration takeover proposal, local officials have set their eyes on the general polls to be held 21 months from now. Other GOP members as well as the Democrats and Reform Party are also expected to declare their candidacy within the next few months.

With wife Mrs. Annie T. Sablan by his side during last night’s hush-hush meeting that became an open secret on the island, Mr. Sablan asked the commitment of his family and political supporters to take his candidacy “all the way.”

A former Senate President, Mr. Sablan ran under the GOP banner in 1997 with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio. He was elected to the Senate in 1989 and won a fresh four-year term in 1993.

Mr. Sablan served as Mr. Tenorio’s director of Commerce and Labor during his first two terms as governor in the 1980s. However, the chief executive was not present at last night’s gathering, although the gubernatorial hopeful expressed his gratitude for his help.

Now stepping out of his shadow, Mr. Sablan said that although his administration will not veer away from the present system, he will try to learn from it in order to improve the economy and bring the island into the 21st century.

“I hope to be able to provide the necessary hope for the Commonwealth for its future with certain visions I have,” he told reporters in an interview.

He explained that his “three-legged strategy” will involve revitalization of the economy, improvement of the educational system and working with the U.S. system and the tools provided under Covenant.

Asked what his reaction on the Babauta-Benavente team, Mr. Sablan said it is up to the party to decide which ticket to endorse, but added he hopes that there will not be a primary anymore to make that choice.

“I want to congratulate them too. I want to wish them the best of luck. I have great respect for them. We are friends but we are looking at our own chances whether one of us will be the candidate,” he said.

Mr. Sablan cited his leadership experience as an edge to draw votes in the 2001 polls, saying that he’s prepared to face critical issues such as the federal takeover moves in U.S. Congress as well as the slumping economy.

“I have been through all kinds of ups and down. My life has been threatened and I have never been scared. It’s one of those challenges. It requires a certain degree of leadership to overcome the challenges,” he said.

When asked about his chances of winning, Mr. Sablan said “it’s not for me to answer that. It will be the people. I am just presenting myself as very, very much interested person [as governor.] I hope I can gain their confidence.”