Songao, Hocog shifting allegiance to GOP?

Incumbent Rota senators Diego M. Songao and Paterno S. Hocog, who ran under the Covenant Party during their respective elections, showed up at Sunday’s kick-off party held by the Rota Republican Party, fueling speculations that the two Rota senators may be running under the Republican banner in 2005.

This was further boosted when Rota senator Paul M. Manglona of the Republican Party endorsed both Songao and Hocog, urging the members to consider the two for the party’s electoral slate come November.

Manglona said that he was pleased by the two’s attendance at the local Republican gathering, which took place at the Teteto Beach. While speaking before the crowd he asked that the party members consider the two.

“I understand that the party has yet to officially open its announcement for candidates, but as far as the two Senate seats up for grabs on Rota, I respectfully ask that you seriously consider our incumbent senators to run under the Republican Party ticket,” said Manglona.

A long-time Rota Republican, Manglona would be thrilled to see Songao and Hocog on board with the Rota Republican Party during the 15th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature.

“I would certainly welcome them with open arms into the Rota Republican Party. I have worked with senator Songao over the past three years and with senator Hocog over the last year and a half. There is no question of their capabilities and integrity. We have had a positive working relationship, which has served the best interests of Rota and the CNMI. Our delegation’s legislative record can speak for itself.”

Rota residents turned out in truckloads on Sunday to show their support for the local Republican Party, which officially kicked off its 2005 campaign with Sunday’s New Year’s gathering.

Rota Republicans welcomed newly elected party president, former Sen. Edward U. Maratita, vice president and former councilman Abraham Ogo, secretary Terry Santos and treasurer Janella Charfauros.

Spirits were high as the party officials rallied the crowd for their support of Republican candidates in the upcoming general election.

Also in attendance was Laura Manglona, who ran in the 2003 election, signifying a renewed spirit of unity within the party.

In his speech to the crowd, Maratita declared his commitment to seeing that the Republican Party is victorious come this November.

“I will be backing the entire Republican ticket in the CNMI. Although we have not yet determined who we will be endorsing for the open seats on Rota, I will be making announcements in the coming months asking candidates interested in running under the Republican banner to submit their names to our committee,” said Maratita. “Once we have a complete list we will be officially announcing who will be running on the Republican slate in Rota.” (PR)