Kilili files candidacy papers for delegate post

The Commonwealth’s former election chief yesterday found himself standing on the other side of the fence, as he formally filed his candidacy for congressional delegate.

Gregorio “Kilili” C. Sablan, former executive director of the Commonwealth Election Commission, submitted about 1,300 signatures with his nominating petition, significantly exceeding the threshold of 200 signatures to get a petition certified.

Sablan is running as an independent candidate.

In a written statement, Sablan summarized what he plans to do if elected to become the Northern Marianas’ first delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.

He said, “I believe that my chief responsibility if I am elected delegate will be to fulfill [the Covenant’s promise of economic self-sufficiency] by working closely with our people and the federal government to advocate for legislation and policy that will help our economy, by securing federal funding that will help our people, and by building relationships with the federal lawmakers—whose decisions in Washington, D.C. reverberate throughout the world, so that these lawmakers understand the Commonwealth’s unique economy.”

Sablan was accompanied by a large group of family members and supporters when he filed his candidacy papers.

House Floor Leader Joseph James Camacho is one of the supporters who came to witness Sablan’s filing. The Republican lawmaker explained his support for the independent candidate by saying that, “Political parties are important. But there are some principles that are higher than political affiliation, and one of them is electing the right man for the right job. I believe that Gregorio Camacho Sablan is that man.”

Camacho, who is distributing “Republicans for Kilili” bumper stickers, said he believes Sablan will “work hard and bring as much federal assistance as possible to the Commonwealth.”

Pete A. Tenorio, the CNMI’s resident representative to Washington, D.C., is the NMI Republican Party’s official candidate for congressional delegate. Tenorio has yet to file his candidacy papers.

To date, those who have made formal bids for the historic position are Sablan, television talk show host John Oliver Gonzales, retired Judge Juan T. Lizama, businessman Chong Won, and former Sen. David Cing.

Other individuals who have announced their interest in running for delegate include Tenorio, Sen. Luis Crisostimo, and Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council member Felipe Atalig.

The last day for filing is Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. The election will take place on Nov. 4, 2008.