Dems remain without a vice gubernatorial bet

The Democratic Party remains in search of a vice gubernatorial bet, after its first choice of replacement for former candidate Vicente Camacho declined the party’s offer.

Former governor Froilan Tenorio, the party’s standard bearer, said the first choice—whose identity he refused to disclose—had refused the offer to be Tenorio’s running mate during a meeting yesterday morning.

Tenorio maintained that the Democrats would decide on its next move during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday night. The meeting had yet to begin as of press time.

The Democratic Party lost a candidate for lieutenant governor after Camacho suffered a massive stroke on May 18. Camacho remains confined at the Commonwealth Health Center.

In an earlier interview, Tenorio said he and another Democratic Party member had discussed the plan to replace Camacho with the latter’s family on Monday night.

“We met with several members of [Camacho’s] family. We told them we’re very sorry, but we have to move on. They understand,” Tenorio had said.

The former governor also disclosed that the Democratic Party was eyeing at least two possible replacements. He declined to reveal their names.

Other candidates for the post are incumbent Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente of the Republican Party, who is running with Gov. Juan N. Babauta; Vice Speaker Timothy Villagomez of the Covenant Party, with Speaker Benigno Fitial; and independent candidate David Apatang, with Rep. Heinz Hofschneider.