Independent and Democrats bets file petition for candidacies

The families and friends of the Independent and Democrats (INDEMS) candidates assembled outside the Commonwealth Election Commission building in Susupe yesterday at 9am to show their support for their filing of candidacies for the Nov. 5 general elections.

Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan) officially filed his petition for U.S. delegate at 10:30am, followed by Rep. Manny Castro (Ind-Saipan), who filed his candidacy for Saipan Senate.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), Gov. Arnold I. Palacios with first lady Wella Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, and Saipan Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho also showed up to show their support.

Palacios said that their coalition is stronger this year than last year and is optimistic about achieving a positive result.

“This is the same, a lot of them are the same candidates, incumbents and some are new from the Democratic Party. And so, we’re all coalescing together, and we’re going to move forward and look forward to the election and we’re going to do everything we can to win. We’re still together, stronger, much stronger this year than last year, so we’re going to come up with a good result,” said Palacios.

According to Apatang, he and the governor have decided to collaborate with the Democrats after the last runoff election.

“Well, we started as an independent, you know, the governor and I but at the end after the runoff, we decided to link up work together with the Democrats. So, we’re still together, we’re in love,” said Apatang.

Propst expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming public support. He emphasized prioritizing people’s interests in decision-making. “For the past 10 years I’ve spent as a public servant leader, I have done my very best to put our people first with selfless interest. Every single legislation that comes up, I’ve always put the people first.”

Propst also emphasized the importance of collaboration and strong relationships with various government entities.

The representative also commeded Delegate Sablan and promises to continue what he has done for 16 years.

“This position (U.S. delegate) was open because Congressman Kilili said he was going to step down, and that is the only reason why I decided to run for continuity to push the things he has pushed for and to add a few other things as well. But I have always supported Congressman Kilili for his 16 years of service. I forever believe in him and I will continue to champion his ideas,” added Propst.

Meanwhile, Reps. Roman Cepeda Benavente (Ind-Saipan), Vincent Aldan (Ind-Saipan), and Diego Vincent Camacho (D-Saipan) filed for House of Representatives reelection for Precinct 1.

For Precinct 2 Diego Manglona Sablan, a new candidate under the Democratic Party of the NMI filed his candidacy with Reo. John Paul Sablan (Ind-Saipan) who’s seeking re-election.

Vying for re-election in Precinct 3 are Reps. Ralph Yumul (Ind-Saipan), Denita Yangetmai (D-Saipan), Vicente Camacho (D-Saipan), BJ Attao (Ind-Saipan), and Marissa Flores (Ind-Saipan).

Reps. Malcolm Omar (Ind-Saipan) and Angelo Camacho (Ind-Saipan) filed for re-election for Precinct 4 and Precinct 5, respectively.