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RGA endorses Babauta’s re-election bid
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Posted on Sep 25 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The leaders of the Republican Governors Association recently voiced strong support for the re-election of Republican Juan N. Babauta in his bid to serve a second term as governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Bush’s recent endorsement of the incumbent governor, in which the president urged voters to re-elect Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente based on the “strong partnership” between the leaders and the president, as well as Babauta’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the citizens of the Northern Marianas.
“Gov. Babauta is an exceptional leader who has done wonderful things for the Commonwealth,” said RGA chairman Kenny Guinn (NV). “When Juan was elected in November 2001—shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks—the territory was facing a real fiscal crisis. Within his first year he was able to turn the situation around, restoring government solvency without layoffs or any curtailment of essential government services. Within his first year he already had government finances back in the black. The kind of leadership and commitment he has brought to the Commonwealth deserves the support of the voters and the RGA stands firmly behind him in his campaign.”
Babauta was first elected governor in a four-way race on Nov. 3, 2001 with an almost 20-point edge over the nearest of his three opponents.
“They’ve [Babauta and Benavente] done an excellent job,” said RGA vice chairman Mitt Romney (MA). “Once in office, they took on the difficult job of improving the water system on Saipan and invested over $125 million in new infrastructure. That kind of initiative is essential for the tourism industry and to keep all the economy strong. On behalf of all the Republican Governors, we look forward to working side by side with Gov. Babauta for another four years.”
Virginia, New Jersey, and the Northern Marianas hold the only gubernatorial contests this year. Next year, 36 states plus Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands will elect their chief executives. (PR)
