Crisostimo backs out from ’05 race

Additional votes are up for grabs among four gubernatorial candidates as Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo decided to let go of his previous plan to run as governor this year.

This was confirmed yesterday by the senator’s son, Luis Crisostimo Jr., who said that his dad is now setting his eyes to the 2009 general elections.

“My dad is not running this year. That’s his decision for now,” said Crisostimo Jr., 19, in an interview.

The senator flew to Rota yesterday and could not be reached.

The younger Crisostimo, said that he was excited about his father’s earlier announcement to run for governor but “I respect his decision.”

“I was excited but since he’s decided not to run, it’s fine with me. But I could have voted for him already,” said Crisostimo Jr., smiling.

The senator’s son, who studies at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, is currently on island for vacation.

He said he looks forward to campaigning for his father’s 2009 gubernatorial fight.

“This gives him enough time because he’s really stressed out,” said Crisostimo Jr.

The senator’s apparent failure in his search for a running mate, may have also contributed to his decision to pull out from the gubernatorial race.

The senator initially announced his plan to run for governor last October amid speculations then that he would be the running mate of former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio.

Both had denied they liked the tandem.

In late December, Crisostimo filed his letter of intent to the Democratic Party, which was rejected in early 2005 citing lack of a running mate and non-payment of dues.

The senator claimed he had given the party more than what he might have owed it.

The Democratic Party eventually endorsed the candidacy of Tenorio.

Meantime, Crisostimo formed his own party, which he calls “Populao National Democratic Party.”

He said this party is designed to be aligned with the national Democratic Party.

The senator traveled to Washington, D.C. this year to pursue a formal affiliation with the national Democratic Party.

Crisostimo won a Senate seat in the 2003 midterm election, receiving the most votes totaling 2,164.

Crisostimo’s withdrawal from the 2005 race now leaves four teams to vie for the highest elective post in the Commonwealth.

They are Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente for Republican Party, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial and vice speaker Timothy P. Villagomez for Covenant Party, Tenorio and Antonio Santos for Democratic Party, and Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider and Rep. David Apatang as independent candidates.