By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE local Democratic Party is asking qualified citizens to make a difference for the commonwealth by joining its slate for the November midterm elections.
The party needs candidates for Saipan’s 16 House seats, according to party chairman Gabriel Babauta.
“This are early preparations…because the Democratic Party wants to move on,” he said.
Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, D-Saipan, will seek another term, Babauta said.
The two other Democratic incumbents are Vice Speaker Justo S. Quitugua and House Floor Leader Florencio T. Deleon Guerrero, both from Saipan.
“Other than Senator Crisostimo who expressed his intention to run for another term way back in December, I have received no other letters of intent,” he told Variety yesterday.
He said interested individuals must submit their resumes and letters of intent no later than March 5 to Norbert Mendiola, chairman of the party’s credentials committee.
The credentials committee will meet after the deadline to select the best possible candidates to represent the party in the midterm election.
“They will be contacted for interviews and final preparations,” Babauta said, adding that they want to come up with the best qualified and committed candidates to serve the CNMI.
“With the current situation of our islands…it’s very important that we select the most serious and committed individuals. This election is not about what to do…but how to do it,” he added.
Babauta said the party wants to get the “best lineup” for the November elections.
He said potential candidates on Rota and Tinian may submit their letters of intent and resumes to the party’s officials there.