GOP report: Factionalism rife within party

Factionalism and disunity within the ruling NMI Republican Party reflects the party members’ lack of discipline in subscribing to party principles and policies, according to an in-house GOP committee report.

This admission is contained in the 19-page Gubernatorial Candidate Report of 2005, which was prepared and submitted by a five-member ad-hoc committee chaired by former congressman William S. Torres.

“It is the view of your committee that dissension, discord, and factionalism are a direct result of the lack of Party member discipline and coherence in matters of public policy consistent with the fundamental principles and policies of the Republican Party at the local and national level,” reads part of the report.

Such problem would be addressed only if its members strictly follow party ideals, it said.

“[We] subscribe to the prevailing ‘belief of the corporation’ that consistent principles and policies will be the catalyst for higher standards, an improved reputation and greater success for all Republican Party members,” the committee said.

The special panel—consisting of members Rita Sablan, Rose Igitol, Herman Manglona, and Edward Maratita—recommended that every “legitimate member” of the party seeking party endorsement for elective and appointive positions shall be required to have “a clear and unequivocal attestation of sufficient familiarity, knowledge and unwavering and constructive acceptance of the party philosophy, purposes, principles, and general public policies, that define, identify, serve as a unifying force of and for the party and its members, inclusive of elected and appointed public servants to be endorsed by the party.”

Further, the committee recommended a “renewal procedure” for the organization in order to better define the processes, procedures, protocols, and safeguards and other compelling reasons on standards, qualifications of candidates, among others.

It said the party should address issues of party loyalty “and others that would truly capture the essence of what the Republican Party is and stands for.”

The committee report, which also recommended that the party support the re-election bid of Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, was adopted by the GOP central committee on Monday.

Monday’s party decision has resulted in Republican congressman Heinz S. Hofschneider declaring his independent candidacy for governor, along with independent congressman David Apatang as lieutenant governor.

The Committee to Elect Heinz-David is led by former senator Juan P. Tenorio, congressman Jesus Attao, Roman Tudela, Roman Palacios, Joe I. Guerrero and former Commonwealth Development Authority board chair Juan S. Tenorio.