Democrats name Borja as standard bearer in 2001 polls

Former Lt. Gov. Jesse C. Borja has pledged to provide a better future for the people of the Commonwealth as the Democratic Party declared him their official candidate for the gubernatorial elections in November 2001.

However, the committee to elect Mr. Borja has withheld the announcement of his runningmate until after the Republican Party’s primary on Nov. 4.

Hundreds of supporters attended the dinner fundraiser held at Plumeria Hotel which included former Gov. Carlos Camacho, Representatives Rosiky Camacho, Dino M. Jones, Brigida Ichihara and Bobby Guerrero.

“I pledge to you and our Commonwealth my commitment and dedication, my integrity and a lot of hard work. I make this pledge based on my willingness and desire to serve you and our Commonwealth, my experiences and my education,” he said.

Mr. Borja said he will begin meeting with the local people in the villages to explain his plans as the Democratic Party standard bearer. Although the Republican Party has yet to choose its official candidate in the coming polls, Mr. Borja said he believes that his chances are very good.

“I want the best education for our children. I want the best health care for our entire people. I want our people to be prosperous so that they can live comfortably and happily with their families,” he said amid cheers of the crowd.

In endorsing Mr. Borja, former Gov. Camacho described the ex-Supreme Court justice as an individual dedicated to his principles. With the alleged rampant corruption in the government today, Mr. Camacho said the island will benefit a lot in having a person like Mr. Borja to head the Commonwealth with his experience as a lawyer and former justice of the high court.

“We need somebody who is not only willing to help but also assist in restoring the credibility of the CNMI with the federal government and the administration,” said Mr. Camacho.

The committee has started consulting with the officials of the party on the economic, health, education plans for the Commonwealth which they said have been neglected by the present administration.

Mr. Borja attempted but lost in his bid to seek the highest elective post in the Northern Marianas in 1997, when he ran as an independent candidate. The former lieutenant governor and ex-Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio both lost to incumbent Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, a Republican.

In the Republican Party, two candidates are competing to be the party’s standard bearer with Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and his runningmate Senate Vice President Thomas Villagomez against CNMI Rep. to Washington Juan N. Babauta and runningmate Rep. Diego T. Benavente.