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NMI Republican Party issues rules for the 2016 Presidential Caucus
The Republican Party of the Northern Mariana Islands Association recently amended their bylaws to establish the rules for the 2016 CNMI Republican Party Presidential Caucus.
The caucus will be held on March 15, 2016, with voting to occur on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Association members will hold two votes: 1) a Presidential Preference vote, and 2) vote on the six delegates and six alternates who will join the three Republican National Committee members in representing the CNMI at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio from July 18 to July 21. The winner of the first vote will be guaranteed the nine votes from the CNMI for at least the first ballot at the convention.
In order for a Republican presidential candidate to appear on the ballot for consideration, a filing fee of $7,500 and letter of intent must be submitted to the RPNMIA by Jan. 1, 2016. Candidates for delegate must submit their intent to run by Feb. 15, 2016.
The RPNMIA joins several other U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands in charging a filing fee. This fee was instituted to help delegates and alternates pay their travel expenses to and from the 2016 Republican National Convention.
RPNMIA president and RNC member James Ada stated: “The RNC amended their rules governing the nomination of a Republican candidate for President by requiring a candidate to obtain the majority of delegates from eight states/jurisdiction. This rule means that the RPNMIA doesn’t just provide nine delegates; it will be one of eight for one of the candidates.
“The RPNMIA takes this responsibility seriously and we encourage every one of the current 15 Republican Presidential candidates to campaign in our beautiful islands and explain why they will be the best candidate not only for the United States but for the Commonwealth.
“While we only passed the rules on Sept. 30, the RPNMIA has already received the first $7,500 from a Presidential candidate—Dr. Ben Carson—and we anticipate more will follow in the coming weeks,” Ada said.
For more information on the rules and updates on the RPNMIA caucus email CNMIGOP2016@gmail.com and visit our Facebook page, CNMI Republican Party. (RPNMIA)
