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Late Blanco’s sis- in-law will file candidacy today for special polls
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Posted on Sep 02 2021
Grace “Pitu” Sablan Vaiagae
The sister-in-law of late representative Ivan Alafanso Blanco will be the CNMI Republican Party’s candidate in the upcoming special election for his vacant seat in the House of Representatives Precinct 3.
Republican Party board president James Ada said they have chosen Grace “Pitu” Sablan Vaiagae as their candidate for the Oct. 16 special election.
Ada said Vaiagae, a private consultant, will file her nominating petition and candidacy documents at the Commonwealth Election Commission in Susupe today, Thursday, at 3pm.
In a statement Sunday, Ada expressed the GOP’s gratitude for Vaiagae’s willingness to complete the mission and service left behind by her brother-in-law.
“Community is the cornerstone of our culture. It is where we foster the belief in serving one another, where we see the role we each play in building up our neighbors, and where we find compassion and empathy for the struggles of those around us,” Ada said.
He said Vaiagae embodies these lessons, borne of her love and interaction with the community around her.
At the 2019 special election for Precinct 3, Vaiagae submitted her letter of intent to the Republican Party, but the party chose Marco Taisakan Peter as the GOP’s candidate. Peter subsequently won in that election.
Vaiagae obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Guam. She then pursued her master’s degree while working as a therapist.
She started her career as a teacher and guidance counselor at Marianas High School, then worked as a counselor/therapist at the Marianas Behavioral Health International Inc. Saipan, where she dealt with alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse, and as a counselor for the Department of Public Safety.
Former Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s budget officer Corina L. Magofna is the candidate of the NMI Democratic Party. She will file her candidacy tomorrow, Friday.
The CEC said registration is still ongoing and that the last day to register is Sept. 17. Absentee voting applications are available online.
