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‘Not all Republicans want Babauta for ’05’
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Posted on Sep 09 2004
Despite Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s public declaration that he and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente would seek reelection in next year’s polls, some of his partymates are pushing for a primary election to determine who the Republican Party’s standard bearers should be.
“Not everyone in the party wants Babauta to run again,” said Sen. Pete Reyes, a Republican. “I feel the Republican Party should have a primary. They should adhere to the democratic system of government and allow others to run for the gubernatorial post.”
Reyes did not attend the party’s fundraising event at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Tuesday night, which was also organized to celebrate Babauta’s 51st birthday.
“Heinz [Hofschneider] should be given the opportunity to challenge the governor in the primary,” Reyes said.
Hofschneider, the House of Representatives’ minority leader, also said a primary election would be appropriate to determine the Republican Party’s official gubernatorial candidate next year. “It’s good for the electorate to have choices,” said Hofschneider, another Republican.
Earlier reports have it that Hofschneider wants to run for governor in next year’s elections.
When asked, however, if he would challenge Babauta’s bid to become the Republican Party’s gubernatorial candidate in 2005, Hofschneider merely said he would reserve his comments for a later time.
Babauta’s public announcement of his intent to seek reelection came days after the national Republic Party gave recognition to the local party.
Majority of the members of the U.S. GOP’s national rules committee voted in favor of the CNMI Republican Party’s recognition, amid lobbying efforts by Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio.
With the recognition, the CNMI Republican Party expects to gain an advantage in next year’s Commonwealth elections. The local party may also seek support from the national party and its members.
