GOP reaffirms unity

The Republican Party is gearing up to maintain its majority hold in the CNMI as potential candidates to next year’s elections pledge to uphold unity despite the outcome of the forthcoming primary.

GOP held its first ever fund raiser as a party this year and get together last Saturday at the Royal Taga Beach Club. While the venue was not full packed, organizers said they were satisfied with the turnout and the money they raised from the $30-per-head tickets.

The event, planned on short notice, was attended by party leaders, elected officials and election aspirants as well as by T.E. Manase Mansur who was invited by Chairman Joseph Reyes. (see related story)
While some have announced their intention to run next year, the party has set a deadline of June 30 for submission of letter of intent for the positions of governor, lieutenant governor, Washington representative, mayor and senators.

Mr. Reyes, however, disclosed they have yet to schedule the primary for the gubernatorial race as they want to take things step by step. A decision may be announced after the deadline.

So far, Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and running mate Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez; and Washington Rep. Juan N. Babauta and running mate Rep. Diego T. Benavente have formally announced their bid to seek GOP’s nomination for the CNMI’s highest elected posts.

At this early stage of the race for November 2001, top bets assured their commitment to maintain party unity and cohesiveness in order to ensure poll victory.

Mr. Mansur said chances of the local Republicans maintaining their hold in the CNMI look “very good given the unity that we have seen” at the get-together.

“I feel that after the primary, we are going to continue to be united,” said Mr. Villagomez.

His opponent in the primary, Mr. Benavente stressed that they will respect the outcome, while expressing confidence of getting the support of the party for his team up with Mr. Babauta.

“There is commitment in our camp to work in the best interest of the unity within the party,” he said, adding the Saturday’s gathering was a positive step towards achieving that cohesiveness in the GOP.

Mr. Reyes, on the other hand, believed holding such event would not only ensure unity, but lead to “good working relationships” between the party and all the candidates.

“My new goal, other than winning and not just party unity, is that I would like to see us to work better as a party,” he said.

Asked if he is threatened by reported attempt to form a coalition between the Democrats and the Reform Party, the GOP chair reminded Republican members “fundamental ideas” of being in the party in the first place.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Why have a Reform Party when you are just going to have a joint effort? It’s better to stand up for what they have given birth.”

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, meanwhile, has declared his bid to seek re-election to represent Saipan in the upper house. He expects to get the party’s nomination since he is incumbent.