Tenorio concedes to opponents

Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate and former governor Froilan C. Tenorio conceded yesterday to his political opponents in this year’s general elections.

Tenorio, who placed fourth with 18 percent or 2,256 votes during last Saturday’s four-way gubernatorial race, said in a statement that he only hopes now that “whoever eventually is determined to be the winner will be able to restore a positive, pro-business climate in our islands, bring in more investment and revenues, and ease the financial burden on our people.”

“Since the election is still undecided, I find myself in the unusual position of not having anybody to congratulate. …However, I wish the governor-elect every success in these and other endeavors,” said Tenorio.

Leading gubernatorial candidate Benigno Fitial yesterday congratulated Tenorio “for his strong determination in entering the race.”

“He gave the electorate a wider choice for governor,” Fitial said. “I have always admired his determination to help revive the economy. He cared a lot for the economy. He is also the people’s person, just like some of us.”

“He will always remain a friend,” Fitial added. “Whatever his endeavor will be from now on, I just want to wish him the best.”

Republican Party chair John S. Reyes praised Tenorio’s gesture, saying, “It’s an honorable gesture for him to do that even now.”

“We would do the same if we know we’re not going to make it. The only other alternative is to concede and support the winning team,” said Reyes.

He said it is premature for the Babauta-Benavente ticket to declare anything at this time.

The Heinz-David camp could not be reached as of press time.

Tenorio, who was a one-term governor from 1994 to 1998, said he ran again for the highest post “because I love our islands, and believe that I still have more to contribute to the well-being of our people.”

Tenorio thanked those who voted for him “and especially all who worked for my election.”

He said the team came up strong in the last few weeks of campaign.

“You can be very proud of how far we did get and what we accomplished together in getting our ideas out in front the voters,” he said.

Tenorio also thanked his running mate, Antonio Santos, who, he said, “has a great future in public service to our islands.”

“Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughters and their families, whose love and support carried me through when the going got rough,” said Tenorio.

He said that this year’s gubernatorial campaign was the fifth “they had to suffer through, the ninth overall, and I am sure they are happy to have it over with.”

Tenorio first ran for governor in 1989 but lost to Larry Guerrero of the Republican Party. In 1993, he ran again and defeated then incumbent Guerrero. In 1998, he ran again but lost to Republican Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio. In 2001, he tried once more but lost to now incumbent Republican Gov. Juan N. Babauta. Prior to his gubernatorial quests, Tenorio served as Washington Representative.

This year, he fought against re-election candidate Babauta, Covenant Party’s Fitial, and independent candidate Heinz S. Hofschneider.

Initial results in this year’s polls showed Fitial leading with 3,497 votes, followed by Hofschneider with 3,372 votes, and Babauta with 3,228 votes.

Due to a very close margin of votes, none of them could claim victory until the Election Commission tabulates the absentee ballots on Nov. 19.

The commission said it issued a total of 1,602 ballots to off-island voters. (With Liberty Dones and John Ravelo)