Kilili’s campaign kickoff draws support from mixed crowd

Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan’s formal announcement of his second re-election bid Wednesday night drew a mixed crowd of independents, Republicans, Democrats, and Covenants who said their support is rooted in the delegate’s hard work and effectiveness in advancing education, health care, federalization and other CNMI-related issues in the nation’s capital despite constant hammering from the Fitial administration.

“I work for all of you,” Sablan (Ind-MP) told the crowd from the CNMI and Guam that gathered at the Pacific Island Club’s Charley’s Cabaret. “I am grateful for your presence here.”

At the fundraiser, Sablan assured his supporters that not a penny of their contribution will be used to buy beer at any campaign gathering or public meeting.

He said he’s humbled that despite the tough times, people still came to the $200-per-plate fundraiser to show their support.

Sablan, the CNMI’s first non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, was first elected delegate in 2008 for a two-year term and was sworn into office in 2009.

He won by a large margin in his first re-election bid in 2010, and is the first one to announce his candidacy for the November 2012 elections.

Sablan, standing beside Saipan Southern High School’s award-winning Manta Ray Band, also introduced his campaign manager, Northern Marianas College’s Galvin Deleon Guerrero, a Republican.

Deleon Guerrero was former governor Juan N. Babauta’s running mate when the latter ran for governor in 2009. Babauta also ran for delegate in 2010 but lost the four-way race to Sablan.

In his remarks, Deleon Guerrero said the CNMI needs someone who “really cares about everybody in the Commonwealth,” despite criticism from leaders and community members about his stand on issues.

“And I know that’s not always politically popular. I know he has taken some heat by taking a stand on some issues but that’s what we so desperately need in our political discourse. We need people who care, we need people who focus on issues, and we need people who work very, very hard,” he said.

In an interview later, Deleon Guerrero said one of the best traits of an effective non-voting delegate is the ability to reach across the aisle in Congress to advance the CNMI’s interest and he said Sablan has proven this time and again.

Deleon Guerrero, in his remarks before the crowd, said, “Congressman Kilili has accomplished a lot. No doubt about that. And he’s accomplished a lot by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

He gave credit to those who laid the foundation: former CNMI resident representatives to Washington, D.C. Juan N. Babauta and Pete A. Tenorio.

Deleon Guerrero said the campaign is not about Sablan nor any political party, but “about that poor person who’s starving. He doesn’t have a job and all he can rely on is perhaps food stamps. Now I don’t believe in welfare but I do believe in helping people who need it the most.”

He has also prepared himself for the campaign.

“Politics in the CNMI is a blood sport, I know. I’ve been through it…I’ve been bruised. My reputation has been tainted. It’s hard. It pulls people apart. It tears families apart, and it empties your pocket book. That’s why we need your help here tonight, right?” he said; the last statement, in jest.

Tom Tebuteb, a Republican for 24 years, asked: “Is it so wrong to support a guy that’s doing right, with all the turmoil and the shenanigans in the national and local levels? It’s time to unite.”

Tebuteb is the special assistant for administration during the Babauta administration and also a Cabinet member during the time of former governors Froilan Tenorio and Pedro P. Tenorio.

The crowd included those from the CNMI and Guam business community, former and current government officials including Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) and former Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Vicky Benavente, along with other guests from Guam; among them, attorneys David Lujan and Joaquin Arriola.

Juan S. Tenorio, who was very much involved in former House speaker Heinz Hofschneider’s gubernatorial campaign in 2009 under the Republican Party, said that Sablan is the right man for the job of delegate.

Former independent gubernatorial candidate Juan “Pan” T. Guerrero said “hands down to Kilili,” while Republican David M. Sablan said Kilili is “doing a good job in Washington, D.C. and the CNMI—how can you turn this guy down when he needs your help?”

Jean Sablan, chair of Sablan’s fundraising committee, said they exceeded their target of selling at least 100 tickets at the fundraiser.

“We are thankful for those who came and supported him,” she said.

The Republican, Covenant, and Democratic parties have yet to announce their candidate for the 2012 delegate race. (Haidee V. Eugenio)