By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

REPRESENTATIVE Candido B. Taman will no longer seek re-election and will instead help Republican House candidates in Precinct 4 — a move that has earned the applause of GOP officials touting the party’s unity.
In an interview yesterday Taman said he can find solutions to the problems the CNMI is facing by helping ensure a GOP victory in November.
A freshman lawmaker, Taman was not nominated by his party’s Precinct 4 club and earlier said he would run as an Independent.
But GOP president Thomas B. Pangelinan asked Taman to just support the party.
Taman said he agreed because he believes in Pangelinan’s leadership.
“He proved his ability when he led (then-Washington Rep. Juan N.) Babauta to victory in the 2000 gubernatorial primary and in the 2001 general elections,” Taman said. “He also showed his ability when he reunited the party just a few months ago.”
Taman said his decision to respect his party’s decision is in the best interests of the people.
He said he wants to avoid any controversies in the party which is aiming to regain its majority in the House of Representatives.
According to Taman, his support for the Republican Precinct 4 House candidates, Joseph James N. Camacho and Sylvestre Iguel, will continue even after the elections.
And whether the GOP gets the majority or not, Taman said he will continue to share his ideas with the party in any way he can.
He believes that his party will have elected leaders who will look into “important issues” and offer solutions to the CNMI’s problems.
He added that he will also do his best to ensure that the party continues to serve the interests of the people.
“My days in the Legislature have given me a broader understanding on how to find solutions to our very difficult problems,” Taman said. “I will use this knowledge and experience in helping the GOP contribute in the process of solving the problems of the commonwealth.”
He added, “The humble men will prevail.”
Former Rep. Pangelinan, in a separate interview, said Taman’s decision illustrates the strong commitment of party members.
He said the GOP board “truly appreciates” the lawmaker’s decision.
According to Pangelinan, they have asked Taman to appeal to his own supporters, friends and family in Precinct 4 to support the two GOP candidates there.