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Quitugua to run for Senate seat
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Posted on Apr 21 2009
Three-term congressman Justo Quitugua announced yesterday his decision to seek a higher office in this year’s general election.
“I have decided to run for a Senate seat to help a greater number of people on our islands,” he told Saipan Tribune.
Quitugua, a Democrat, has been a member of the House of Representatives since the 14th Legislature.
This time, he said he might end up as an independent candidate if no Democratic Party official certifies his candidacy.
As a Precinct 4 lawmaker, Quitugua believes he effectively carried out his responsibilities to his constituents.
However, being a representative somehow limits a lawmaker’s ability to help more people, he said, because the assistance is specific to the needs of the precinct constituents.
A senatorial post, he said, is also a good way to dig deeper into issues of general concern to the people.
“Sometimes it’s very difficult to address concerns of other people because they have their own representatives in the lower house and we need to respect that. As a senator, I believe I can reach out to more people and help them the best I can,” he said.
Quitugua’s bills in the last six years were mostly related to education, youth, health care, and infrastructure developments.
If given the chance to serve in the Senate, he vows to maintain his focus on education and youth issues.
“I really believe that my heart is with our kids. We need to extend our full support and assistance to them because they’re the CNMI’s future,” he said.
There are nine seats at the Senate chamber, of which three—one each from Saipan, Rota and Tinian—are up for grabs during the midterm election; the six other posts are filled during general elections.
Incumbent senators for Saipan and the Northern Islands include Senate President Pete Reyes, Sen. Maria Pangelinan, and Sen. Luis Crisostimo.
