Eloy to remain with Covenant Party

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos disclosed yesterday that he will not transfer to any local political party and will remain a “solid Covenant Party member” to the end.

If he will make a decision to run in the next gubernatorial race, Inos admitted that he wants to be under the party’s banner.

“I am a solid Covenant Party member and still am. I am here [in this position] because of the support of the party and the over 6,000 folks that voted for us. I can’t just walk away…” he told Saipan Tribune yesterday during the promotional ceremony at Hopwood Junior High School where he was among the guests of honor.

“If I do exit the party…I probably [will] be the last one,” said Inos.

The Covenant Party was formed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in 2001. He won twice as the gubernatorial standard-bearer of the party in 2005 and 2009. Last year, Fitial returned to GOP, where he was a member prior to establishing the Covenant Party. Fitial is now in his third and final term in office.

Inos described himself as also among the pioneers of the party and will remain committed to its visions and missions for the people.

He revealed that the decision of Fitial to return to GOP was a personal one and is considered an “individual action” and “voluntary” in nature.

Despite Fitial jumping off the ship, Inos claimed that the Covenant Party is still intact and alive.

Yesterday, the lieutenant governor was also vocal in admitting that he’s not too receptive of the “merger” idea being pushed by some individuals.

Just recently, members of the Blue Ribbon Committee pushing for the merger of the two parties, claimed that there are 1,077 duly signed petitions so far gathered to join GOP.

Inos confirmed hearing some members about their “individual transfer” to the Republican group, but he said he is clueless as to the acceptance and confirmation of these transfers.

He said the “merger” issue has never been brought to the party’s table for discussion. “I don’t know how the term merger came about, but it was never discussed within the party.”

“But on the standpoint of the Covenant Party, it’s very well alive and intact. In fact, we’re putting out candidates both in the next delegate election and the midterm elections,” he confirmed.

Inos disclosed that Covenant Party is in the process of forming a candidates’ committee to look at the possible individuals who may represent the party in midterm polls.

He said “good members” of the community will be screened out for possible seats in the next elections.

The Covenant Party’s Joseph Norita Camacho lost to incumbent Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan in the 2009 delegate elections.

Inos yesterday neither confirmed nor denied about his plans for the next gubernatorial election.

However, he emphasized that it’s too early to confirm a “decision” at this point in time.

“I would like to be able to answer that question…but I want to spend my time for now in trying to help the administration solutions to our economic problems and working with members of the Legislature,” he said.

Inos, however, pointed out that: “I cannot confirm or deny about running [in the next election]…because I’d like to continue helping our people. I will be willing to consider something if our people call for it.”

He said he’s leaving his options open on the issue.

Because Inos has served in different capacities in the government, as well as served as acting governor when Fitial is not available, the lieutenant governor believes that he is an effective leader.