Pepero: I will respect the party’s decision

Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, who is eyeing the Republican nomination for next year’s gubernatorial elections, has underscored the need to keep the party’s unity after the GOP primary to ensure victory in the polls.

He pledged to throw his support behind whoever the party chooses as its standard bearer at the 2001 elections, saying that he also expects Republican opponents to back his candidacy if and when he wins in the primary.

Mr. Sablan and running mate, Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, are facing the team of Representative to Washington Juan N. Babauta and Rep. Diego T. Benavente for the GOP’s endorsement in the primary which is scheduled to be held later this year or early next year.

“Whatever and whoever prevail… in the primary or general election, I hope that those who didn’t make it, including myself if I have to be in that position, to support the one who won,” he told in an interview.

“If I’m the lucky one, I and Tom also expect our candidates in the party and candidates in general to support the winning team… We need unity of the party so that we will not have a divided attention in directing this Commonwealth to provide the people a more secure future,” added Mr. Sablan.

More than anything else, he said, it is important also to keep the people’s unity after the 2001 elections so that those whom the electorate voted will continue to advance the interests of the island and to improve the local economy.

“I hope the people in general who believe in their particular candidate will remain united and be together in supporting the winning governor and lieutenant governor and give them a chance to move forward the future of this Commonwealth,” Mr. Sablan said.

Aside from the Republican candidates, former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio and his ex-running mate, former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja, are also expected to seek the CNMI’s highest elected office. Mr. Tenorio is the candidate of the Reform Party which he helped founded, while Mr. Borja is expected to get the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Both, however, are likely to run unopposed in their respective parties, thus evading a primary.

Mr. Sablan expressed confidence of his team’s victory come November next year, although he said his potential opponents are all viable candidates who have an even chance of winning as well.

“I have a strong belief in our people and faith in our voters to choose wisely who their leaders will be. I have been preparing for the primary and I am looking forward to it and working tremendously hard,” he added.