Crisostimo attends Babauta party

Opposition senator Luis P. Crisostimo attended Wednesday night’s birthday party and fundraising event for GOP Gov. Juan N. Babauta, a visit that surprised even some Republican leaders.

Crisostimo, however, said that he is only “leaning” toward supporting the Babauta-Benavente team. At one point, Crisostimo said his presence there was part of his “fact-finding,” indicating that he is also checking out other political parties.

Nevertheless, Crisostimo was warmly welcomed by his colleagues and friends in the party with big hugs, handshakes, and high-fives.

“He’s a Democrat. You can’t take it away from him but his heart is BB,” quipped Sen. Paul Manglona.

“Correction, National Democratic Party,” said Crisostimo.

Crisostimo, who formed his own party called Populao’ National Democratic Party, recently withdrew from the 2005 gubernatorial race, saying that he would rather set his eyes on the 2009 general elections.

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

In late December, Crisostimo filed his letter of intent with the Democratic Party, which was rejected in early 2005. The Democratic Party eventually endorsed the candidacy of Tenorio.

Crisostimo then formed his own party, which he aligned with the national Democratic Party. The senator flew to Washington D.C. earlier this year to pursue a formal affiliation with the national party.

Crisostimo was flanked Wednesday night by no less than his brother, Gerry Crisostimo, who currently heads the CNMI’s Homeland Security Office, which operates under the Governor’s Office, as well other friends.

Also welcoming him were the Benavente couple, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente and Vicky I. Benavente, as well as Sen. Thomas “Kiyu” P. Villagomez.

Babauta was not in sight when Crisostimo arrived but he was later seen happily shaking hands and posing for pictures with the senator. Sources said Crisostimo and Babauta met earlier that day, during lunch.

GOP chair John S. Reyes said Crisostimo’s visit was “a pleasant surprise.”

“He’s here?” Reyes replied when asked if he knew of Crisostimo coming.

Crisostimo stayed less than an hour.

Organizers of the birthday and fundraising event estimated the crowd at over 1,200, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s garden.

“We’re very happy with the outcome. As you can see, it’s overflowing. We thank every individual who’s here,” said Reyes.

In his brief remarks, Babauta thanked his supporters for their unwavering support throughout the years.

“It’s truly an honor to serve you, the people of the CNMI. It’s an honor to be your governor and lieutenant governor,” said Babauta, who was standing on stage with Benavente.

“Public service has been my life. It’s been a pretty darn good life. And the CNMI people have been pretty darn good to me,” the governor said.

He thanked Benavente for what he described as “a great partnership that we have.”

Through the years, he said that Benavente has also become his “adviser, confidant, and personal friend.”

He credited him for accomplishing difficult tasks such as closing the Puerto Rico dumpsite and opening the Marpi landfill as chairman of the Solid Waste task force and heading the CIP negotiations, which resulted in increased federal grants.

Currently, Benavente heads the Water Task Force, which is tasked to provide a 24-hour water supply on Saipan this year.

Babauta’s party was attended by GOP candidates and supporters on island as well as those from Tinian and Rota.

Babauta and Benavente are seeking re-election in this year’s general elections.