GOP’s ‘Together Stronger’ headquarters now open

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres is joined by numerous Republican candidates for public office and supporters during last Saturday’s opening of the CNMI Republican Party’s campaign headquarters in Garapan. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI Republican Party’s campaign headquarters is now open.

More than 400 people graced the Jan. 22 event with their presence, and tens of dozens more live-streamed with families and friends who were unable to attend or beyond our borders.

In attendance were numerous Republican candidates for public office, including Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and lieutenant governor candidate Sen. Vinnie Sablan, as well as mayoral candidate Rep. Lee ‘Pan’ T. Guerrero.

“I am honored to be amongst everyone here at the headquarters of the people,” said CNMI GOP president Candace Celis. “This is where much of the work to protect our people and our Marianas will happen. With everyone’s help and support we will continue to aid all those in need because together we are stronger.”

Following the blessing of the headquarters, Committee-to-Elect chair James Ada expressed gratitude for those in attendance and to supporters who are excited for the campaign journey ahead.

“People join the Republican Party because they believe in our leadership,” Ada said. “This administration has done a lot despite the effects of super-typhoons and the worst pandemic in history. But there is still so much work to be done and the continuity of efforts is crucial to accomplish even more for our people and our islands.”

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, second from right, and lieutenant governor candidate Sen. Vinnie Vinson Sablan (R-Saipan), second from left, are joined by their respective spouses during last Saturday’s opening of the CNMI Republican Party’s campaign headquarters in Garapan. (Contributed Photo)

Amid the daylong event, residents from all facets of the community engaged in laughter and positive chatter. The upbeat and festive atmosphere brought back childhood memories for at least one public servant candidate.

“As a little child, I remember going to campaigns and rallies and listening to incumbents and hopefuls speak on stage,” Sablan said. Each one of them spoke [of] the need to prepare the children for a bright future and prosperous Marianas. Gov. Torres and I were among the children in those crowds of people. And here we are now—ready to prepare the next generation to lead our Commonwealth into the future. We are beholden to improve the quality of our peoples’ lives, so let us do that ‘Together Stronger.’”

Humbled by the turnout, Torres thanked everyone who made the blessing and opening of the headquarters memorable. He also had memories to share from his service in the Legislature, from the House of Representatives to the Senate, and from being lieutenant governor to the incumbent chief executive.

“From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank all of you for the love shown to me since Day 1,” Torres said. “I first ran for public office when I was 27 years old, and I did it for this reason: to protect our children and elders. Thanks to all of you, I’ve been blessed with the privilege and ability to have done this. Thank you for the love that you’ve given me throughout my career as a public servant.”

Torres recognized the patience, resiliency, and support of the community to overcome recent adversities. “Together we have constructed and renovated roads, schools and other critical infrastructure, and we’ve generated revolutionary jobs and opportunities in IT and cybersecurity. We’ve overcome natural disasters through collaboration, and we are garnering national and international recognition for how we’ve responsibly managed the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We did this together because we are a family. We don’t leave because of struggles—we collectively hold tight and address issues before us. There isn’t a single issue that we cannot resolve because together we are stronger,” Torres added.

In the coming days, the CNMI Republican Party will announce its new board members and officers, and publish its schedule of events for the year. For information on joining the movement to Elect Torres-Sablan, contact Celis at (670) 484-1206 or via email at: cqcelis670@gmail.com, or GOP campaign chair Wil Castro at marianasgop@gmail.com. (PR)