Kumoi launches bid for gubernatorial post
Former senator Ramon “Kumoi” S. Guerrero has thrown his hat into the 2009 gubernatorial race.
Guerrero, who had also served as executive director of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., said he actually made his decision to run for governor in early December.
“The problems we’re facing today are right in front of us. It’s telling us how to solve it. We’ve been playing politics all the time. Politics…everything is politics. We cannot solve this problem by playing politics. We have to go straightforward. We just cannot play this game anymore,” he said in a telephone interview yesterday with the Saipan Tribune.
The former lawmaker said he wants to be the CNMI next governor because he wants to help the people of the Commonwealth have a better life.
“How many candidates are running for governor who are in office. What more can they promise? People are suffering. What else can they do? The people are suffering and I want to help. I’ve been there and I want to help.”
“It’s going to be interesting. It’s about time for a change. In fact that’s the slogan I’m using—‘Time for a change.’”
Guerrero said he will run as an independent candidate and will meet with supporters in Jan. 23, 6pm at his As Perdido home to strategize and plan his campaign.
Guerrero said among the decisions that will be made during the tete-a-tete will be the group’s choice for his running mate.
“What’s going to happen is I’m asking for my group, all the supporters, and the public to recommend names on who will be my running mate. This hasn’t been done before. I want to get feedback from the public as to who will be the best choice for my running mate,” he said.
Guerrero’s decision to run follows last month’s declarations by former Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente and local businessman Joe Ayuyu that they too will contest the islands’ highest position.
Incumbent Gov. Benigno R. Fitial already announced last March 2008 that he will seek reelection in 2009.
A fifth possible gubernatorial candidate is businessman and former congressman and senator Juan “Pan” Guerrero.
He confirmed that he indeed is exploring the possibility of running for governor this year but has yet to make a final decision.