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For now, Pete A. remains lone GOP bet for delegate
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Posted on Jun 05 2008
While several individuals have announced plans to run for delegate under the NMI Republican Party, only one candidate has formally asked the party to support his congressional bid.
Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio is by far the only one to submit his letter of intent to run as GOP candidate in the Nov. 3 election, according to party president Ed Tenorio.
“Several names have come up, but right now we only have one [potential candidate],” said Tenorio.
Rep. Ray N. Yumul and attorney Victorino Torres have said they are interested in running as Republican candidates, but neither has made it official.
GOP has announced that it will accept letters of intent until 4pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Candidates are required to submit a $7,500 fee with their letter of intent.
A general membership meeting will be held on June 12, at 6pm, at the Garapan Central Park. Proposed amendments to the party bylaws will be presented for action. Prospective nominees for delegate will also be introduced.
The party is planning to conduct a primary if another candidate challenges Tenorio’s bid for the GOP endorsement. The tentative date for the primary is July 12, 2008.
Under the delegate act, Northern Marianas will have a representative with limited voting powers to the U.S. House of Representatives. He can serve on committees, as well as vote on legislation at the committee level. But floor voting will not be permitted.
Similar to House members and other delegates, the CNMI delegate will be elected to Congress every two years.
The first election will take place this November. To be eligible, a candidate must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen and CNMI resident for at least seven years before the election, and a qualified CNMI voter on the date of the election. A candidate for CNMI delegate must not be running for any other office.
