Newly elected committeeman eyes new ideas

Recently elected Republican National Committee committeeman Felipe Q. Atalig disclosed Friday a number of ideas he is eying to introduce in hopes of marshalling party support from both the legislative and executive branches.

Atalig, a former legislator and member of the first Constitutional Convention, reiterated the importance of addressing matters regarding immigration, federal takeover, minimum wage and the possibility of territorial residents, such as U.S. citizens residing in the Commonwealth, to cast votes for presidential elections, among others.

“It really reflects on how well the committeeman plays his role, to persuade other members that these are the necessities and issues that we need to look into,” he said. “These issues, we could bring to the attention of the general membership of the RNC.”

Further, Atalig cited that with the recent U.S. election showing the Republican Party firmly in control of both houses of congress and the executive branch, the Commonwealth representatives in the RNC, introduction of legislations to the RNC, if approved, have “more chances of being passed in the House.”

“The recent triumph of Republicans in the U.S. gives and embraces more power to this RNC, and that includes Republicans of all the territories, including the NMI,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atalig reiterated the significance of the NMI having a representative in the RNC.

“This committeeman acts as a board member to the RNC. We formulate rules and regulations, and policies that would govern the RNC. There are many issues directly affecting our territory that this committeeman can be of help.”

“You have more accessibility to this leadership of this Republican Congress,” he added. “As a member of this RNC, we have more accessibility to the majority control of Congress, and as a delegate, I can introduce legislations within this community and vigorously debate to defend what are the issues affecting the territory here in the Marianas.”

Atalig and Marylou S. Ada were elected as official representatives of the RNC last Oct. 21, to fulfill requirements set by the national GOP to the local party.

The elected committeeman and woman act as members of the board of directors of the National Party and meet twice a year “to give direction to the party.”

As committee members, they will have a chance to participate and vote on the RNC budget and policy resolution. RNC members meet once every four years to agree and nominate candidates for GOP president and vice president.

The Republican Party of the Northern Mariana Islands Association became the first political group in the CNMI to be recognized by its national counterpart.