Grace under fire

For those of you who are undecided about whom to vote for as delegate to the U.S. Congress—and even for those of you who think you are decided—please let me tell you about a man who I strongly believe deserves your vote and why.

That man is Juan Tudela Lizama. I first met Juan Lizama 15 years ago, and I had the privilege of working with him on many trials, appeals and other legal matters. Is he a smart lawyer and strong advocate? Yes, absolutely, and those are important skills to have in Congress. Congress makes the laws so it is no accident that voters often send accomplished lawyers like Juan Lizama to Congress. But there are two other aspects of Juan Lizama’s personality that I want to share with you because I believe that both will help him to be a very successful delegate for the CNMI in the complex, high pressure environment of the U.S. Congress.

First, Juan Lizama has strong vision and the will and energy to accomplish what he sets out to do. He is an excellent planner, the best I have ever known. His life is a testament to what one person can accomplish with a plan and the will to complete it. He already has a thoughtful, detailed plan for what he will accomplish for the CNMI in Congress. He knows how to do it, and he’s ready.

Second, Juan Lizama has incredible grace under fire. I think all of you who know the judge will agree that he is a gentleman—intelligent, diplomatic, and reverent. I have watched him at ease in the middle of several angry, barking lawyers, and then make his points thoughtfully, in way that captures the audience. The only other candidate this election season I’ve seen who conducts himself in a similar, thoughtful way is Sen. Barrack Obama.

In fact, I have an image of newly-elected Congressman Lizama meeting newly-elected President Obama. They shake hands and start to talk. Clearly these two men are going to hit it off. Both are self-made men who were raised on Pacific Islands, both are smart lawyers and family men, both have a plan and a passion to do what is right and make a difference, and both have true grace under fire. I would not at all be surprised if Juan Lizama convinces the President to visit the CNMI. Seriously, he probably already has that in his plan!

For these reasons and more, Juan Lizama has my respect. Please vote for him on Tuesday.
[B] Frank L. Nelson[/B] [I]via e-mail[/I]