Democrats support Babauta-Sablan ticket

Former governor Juan N. Babauta, second left, and former CNMI State Public School System commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, third left, show the resolution penned by the CNMI Democratic Party after getting their endorsement yesterday. (Jon Perez)

The local Democratic Party has formally thrown its support to the gubernatorial ticket of former governor Juan N. Babauta and Dr. Rita A. Sablan in a simple endorsement ceremony at their party headquarters in Dandan.

Party secretary Jonathan P. Cabrera said they were not able to find standard bearers for the two highest posts in the Commonwealth despite them being organized and ready to work for the people of the CNMI.

“We certainly looked far and wide for two individuals to carry our banner. Despite that, because we want change and we believe in the values of our party, we have looked to the [Babauta-Sablan] team. And we are confident in their abilities to lead the Commonwealth forward. We need leaders who can move forward. Leaders who will act with integrity,” said Cabrera.

“We need leaders who will understand the value of public service, will exercise fiscal responsibility, will prioritize education at every level, will ensure the healthcare they are worthy of. Leaders who will honor the Chamorro and Refaluwasch values that served as the bedrock of our community and at the same time welcoming the contributions of those who have settled in this land and now call it home,” he added.

These were the reasons why the local Democratic Party’s central executive committee believes that the Babauta-Sablan ticket were among the leaders that they can believe in.

“Our very own Democratic candidate from Precinct 1 Glenn Manglona is a leader we can believe in. The independents who have teamed up with Babauta-Sablan they are leaders we can believe in. The coalition of independents who are supporting them have stepped forward and they are not waiting for some other person or other time,” said Cabrera.

“If we want change [and] if we really want to move the Commonwealth forward in a different direction, we need to elect these candidates. We, the Democratic Party, stand behind you. We will work hard to ensure that come November, you are elected as the next governor and lieutenant governor of the CNMI,” he added.

Grateful for support

Babauta and Sablan thanked the Democratic Party’s CEC for endorsing their candidacy. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. [This endorsement], it means a lot to us. It will surely be a great help to our campaign. We share similar vision of what is happening in the CNMI,” said Babauta.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the greater population out there is longing for, and in fact very patient right now, for change. With this help, it will certainly boost our campaign and hope for a victory in November with your help,” he added.

Sablan, on her part, said the endorsement is meaningful for their ticket and the other independent candidates that are now supporting them. “I’m very grateful in behalf of our candidacy for the opportunity and the endorsement of the Democratic Party. We know that it is really meaningful to the governor and I, and our independent entourage that joined us.”

“But more importantly, it is really for the people and I’m glad that we were able to comeback together again and pursue this vision of change for the people of the Commonwealth. Thank you for the endorsement and look forward to all of your support along with the other independents,” added Sablan, who is a former commissioner of the Public School System.