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Diego: People want change
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Posted on Nov 06 2000
Rep. Diego T. Benavente, GOP’s official candidate as lietenant governor in the November 2001 polls, said their victory in last Saturday’s open primary is a sign that people want change in the CNMI.
He said the wide margin of votes they received against Pepero-Kiyu showed that people came out to show support for the Babauta-Benavente, rather than voters turning out to challenge the other camp.
“People came out from the Reform Party and the Democrats, independent and Republican people who came together and supported this team,” Mr. Benavente told in an interview.
“For that reason, this primary is a sign that the people of the Commonwealth want the Babauta-Benavente team to win,” he added.
The lawmaker maintained they have campaigned on a platform advocating change to push economic development and welfare of the people on the islands.
“What we are saying is that we need to have a change in attitude here, we need a change in direction in some cases and in that way, yes, people want change,” explained Mr. Benavente. “People want a different direction, they want a different system of operation in this government.”
GOP’s official gubernatorial bet, Washington Rep. Juan N. Babauta, reached out to Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez to join the winning ticket to ensure unity of the Republican Party to the November 2001 polls.
“I have always felt that if we can put this team together being supported by each other… there’s no else out there than can best this team,” said Mr. Benavente, adding they are looking forward to the Pepero-Kiyu’s support.
A bigger campaign is ahead in the next few months as GOP gears up to face candidates from the Democratic Party and the Reform Party.
According to Mr. Benavente, they plan to slow down for the first few months to devote time to their respective jobs in the government.
“When the campaign trail comes around for the next general election, John and I will be going out there working hard again,” he said. (BS)
