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Yumul enters delegate race
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Posted on May 23 2008
Rep. Ray N. Yumul has entered the race to become the first Northern Marianas delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Yumul said he will seek the endorsement of the NMI Republican Party. Yumul is likely to face Resident Rep. Pete A. Tenorio in the GOP primary tentatively scheduled for July 12, 2008.
Yumul is serving his second term as lawmaker. He is currently the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
He vowed to bring new money to the Northern Marianas if elected to the new federal position, which offers a salary of nearly $170,000 a year. He also said the economy and education would be his top priorities.
An Iraq war veteran, Yumul also promised to ensure that CNMI interests are considered as the U.S. military expands its presence on Guam and the rest of the region.
He said he would release more information about his campaign next week.
The election for the delegate position will take place on Nov. 4, 2008. But the electoral process begins in less than two months. The Election Commission will accept nominating petitions and candidacy documents from July 7 to August 6.
Under the recently enacted delegate law, Northern Marianas will have a representative with limited voting powers to the U.S. House of Representatives. Similar to House members and other delegates, the CNMI delegate will be elected to Congress every two years. He can serve on committees, as well as vote on legislation at the committee level. But floor voting will not be permitted.
The NMI Republican Party officially started accepting letters of intent to run for delegate yesterday, May 23, 2008. The deadline is June 6, 2008, 5pm.
To submit a letter of intent, one must be registered member of the NMI Republican Party. Those who have not yet registered may do so until June 6.
The GOP requires a candidate fee of $7,500 from aspiring delegates.
Other individuals reported to be interested in running for delegate, although not necessary under the Republican Party, are Commonwealth Election Commission executive director Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan and Judge Juan T. Lizama, who steps down from the bench effective today.
