US election: what it means for the CNMI

Island leaders and residents are closely watching the U.S. election being held today (Tuesday on the mainland) as the result is crucial to the CNMI’s future relations with the federal government.

Many local officials are hoping that Republican candidate, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, wins in the tight race for the presidency against Democrat bet, Vice President Al Gore, if only to block any federal takeover attempt.

At the same time, if GOP retains its majority seats in both houses of the U.S. Congress, it will be less difficult for the island government to persuade Washington against extension of federal immigration and minimum wage laws to the CNMI.

According to House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, it will be a “plus factor” for the Commonwealth under a Bush administration in the White House and GOP as majority party in Congress.

He noted the ideology of Republicans in the mainland reflects the same ideals being advocated by most CNMI leaders in terms of economic and social principles.

“That means allowing each American, whether on the mainland or in the territories, to live an independent life rather than being tied up with this federal bureaucracy,” Mr. Babauta told in an interview.

Political analyst Sam McPhetres echoed the sentiment by most local officials that the takeover agenda would not be a problem anymore if Mr. Bush is installed in the White House.

“The whole idea of federalization of immigration and minimum wage in the CNMI will cease to be a threat,” he told in an interview.

He said others may want Mr. Gore to win the election and the Democrats to fill more congressional seats because such scenario will inevitably push further the federal takeover agenda under the Clinton administration.

On the other hand, he said, if Mr. Bush gets elected and GOP loses control of Congress, it will still be “difficult” for the islands to fight off opponents in the U.S. capital.

This could lead to bipartisan support for the so-called anti-CNMI bills as well as override on measures that Mr. Bush would veto, added Mr. McPhetres.

Important

But Mr. Babauta said he is betting on the victory of the Republicans in the polls as it is “very important” to the effort by the CNMI to thwart the federal takeover bid waged by President Clinton and the Democrats in Congress.

“To the Commonwealth, it means a lot because… other than relieving us with the negative threats by opponents, such as Congressmen George Miller and Bob Franks, we will no longer be threatened with federal policies that are contrary to the provisions of the Covenant,” added Mr. Babauta.

Local officials and business leaders have strongly opposed moves in Congress to amend the Covenant wrestling control of the island’s immigration, minimum wage and customs to the federal government.

They have also protested against the proposal to strip the CNMI of its right to use “Made in USA” label in apparel products manufactured here as well as the privilege to ship them to the mainland without taxes and quotas.

Several legislation have been introduced over the past five years to implement such policies, but have largely been unsuccessful due to unwavering support from the Republican majority.

The Clinton administration has been waging that battle due to what it claimed as failure by the CNMI to curb the number of foreign workers on the islands and stem labor abuses here.

According to Mr. Babauta, even during the administration of former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio who was a Democrat, they decided to align with U.S. Republicans to ensure that CNMI keeps the present status quo.

“A Republican presidency would greatly help the Commonwealth and its people in continuing to oversee our own economic future in the next several years,” he said.