Republicans battle in open primary Pepero-Kiyu and Babauta-Benavente camps vow to respect outcome

The Republican Party is hoping to persuade majority of over 13,000 registered voters in the CNMI to troop to the polls for tomorrow’s primary as the duel over who will be it’s official bet for next year’s gubernatorial election comes to an end.

Polling booths in 12 locations on the three islands will be opened between 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. to accept voters during the open primary.

GOP has deputized about 128 poll workers for the exercise. The Department of Public Safety has agreed to assist the party in maintaining peace and order around the polling places.

Both the camps of Pepero-Kiyu and Babauta-Benavente have urged the voters, regardless of their political affiliation, to go out and cast their ballots on Saturday.

Party leaders said they expect to finish tabulation of the votes by Sunday and immediately announce the winners who will eventually become the Republicans’ standard bearers in the 2001 polls.

Lt. Gov. Jesus R. “Pepero” Sablan and running mate Senate Vice President Thomas P. “Kiyu” Villagomez are facing Washington Rep. Juan N. Babauta and running mate Rep. Diego T. Benavente in seeking the party’s endorsement for the top CNMI elective posts.

Overwhelming

As the primary approaches, both have stumped on Saipan, Tinian and Rota to draw solid support from the people. Each team has expressed confidence of getting the votes come Nov. 4.

They have also reiterated their commitment to abide by their gentlemen’s agreement to give way to the chosen one after the primary in order to maintain the party’s unity.

In one of their last sorties, Pepero-Kiyu treated their supporters to a Halloween party at the Civic Center in Susupe where they extended gratitude to the overwhelming support.

Babauta-Benavente last night held their own fete in the same place in advance of what they said their expected victory in the primary.

“People want change,” Mr. Benavente told in an interview after speaking at a students’ forum at the Northern Marianas College yesterday. “A lot of people want a new direction here in the Commonwealth.” (See related stories on Pages 8 and 9)

He said their house-to-house campaign has afforded the camp to assess what the people want from their leaders, noting families have discussed with them several issues.

“We may not have seen a lot of people in our gatherings but we met a lot of them in their homes where they had the opportunity to speak freely without worrying of being fired,” added Mr. Benavente.

Platform

The team is riding on a platform of improved education and a better quality of life, which is the same credo being espoused by other camp.

Mr. Sablan said it will be his first priority to boost the local economy and create new jobs for the people when he gets elected to the highest post in the CNMI.

He also stressed importance of education and technology in helping the local people assure their future, while maintaining that he and Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio have strived hard to address the economic crisis for the past three years.

“We need to continue to struggle and move forward,” the gubernatorial aspirant said in an interview on Tuesday.

His running mate, Mr. Villagomez, made a pitch against federal takeover, saying they are concerned over attempts by the U.S. Congress to strip the islands of its control over immigration and minimum wage.

“A lot of people want to be paid higher, but I believe we can address the issue by each industry [tourism and garment],” he said in a separate interview.

Unity

Amid talks that the primary could spell the end of the much-vaunted GOP unity, both camps assured their supporters they would honor their agreement to abide by the results of the primary.

“It’s not going to matter if we win this election and we don’t get the support because it will be tough in the next general elections,” said Mr. Benavente.

“I honor my words,” explained Mr. Villagomez. “I’m going to stick to what the people have decided.”

The candidates issued an appeal to the voters to cast their ballots, saying their decision will make the difference.

“To all our supporters, please come out and encourage others to do so. If they do, we are going to win this election,” said Mr. Benavente.

Mr. Sablan said: “I have faith in the people. This is going to be a victory for the people if they make their choice.”

The Republican candidates will face Democrats’ bet former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja and Reform Party stalwart former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio in the November 2001 polls.