And then there were seven…

Television talk show host John Oliver Gonzales is the latest candidate to enter the delegate race, bringing to seven the number of those who have confirmed plans to run for the post.

Gonzales announced on Saturday his bid to become the Northern Marianas’ first delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. He is running as an independent candidate.

Currently serving as the director of the Department of Public Lands’ mining division, Gonzales has worked for the government in various capacities since 1993. He has also hosted the John Gonzales LIVE talk show program on Flametree KSPN 2, formerly MCV, for the past 15 years.

In an interview, Gonzales said the delegate job is much like hosting a talk show. “As a delegate, your principal obligation is to bring issues to the people, allow them to voice their concerns, and take those concerns to our leaders in Washington, D.C. If I’m elected, I will be a medium, a facilitator between the U.S. Congress and our people,” he said.

Gonzales said his priority is to ensure the CNMI gets the maximum possible economic and capital infrastructure benefits from the anticipated military buildup in the region. He also plans to lobby for immediate bailout money for the local utility, tourism, and workforce training.

Gonzales said his strengths lie in his “humble beginnings, untainted reputation, and lack of connection to any special interest.”

He trumpeted his strong academic background—he holds a master’s degree in international management from University of Phoenix and graduated summa cum laude with a political science degree from Washington State University. He also had experience working in Washington, D.C. as an intern with the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1992.

He said his supporters include former Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, former Northern Marianas College president Agnes M. McPhetres, and attorney Robert T. Torres, who was previously rumored to be running for delegate.

Others who have expressed their intent to run for the post are Resident Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, Rep. Ray N. Yumul, retired Judge Juan T. Lizama, Commonwealth Election Commission executive director Gregorio Sablan, and attorney Victorino Torres.

The election is on Nov. 4, 2008. The official period for submitting candidacy papers is from July 7 to August 6, 2008.