By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE NMI Republican Party has designated the leaders of each precinct at an orientation meeting on Friday and they are scheduled to elect precinct officers this week, according to GOP president Thomas Pangelinan.
The precinct officers will nominate the party’s legislative candidates
None of the new leaders of Precinct 4 are identified with the group of Luis Q. Kapileo who insists that they remain the duly elected leaders of the precinct.
The recently named leaders of Precinct 4 are Angel V. Reyes, Cathy Sheu, Kodep Ogumoro Uludong, Anthony A. Camacho, Benigno M. Sablan, Eileen A. Babauta and Digna M. Kaainoa.
Over 35 precinct leaders attended the orientation meeting held at 8 a.m. at the Saipan Bowling Center on Friday.
Party secretary Kimo Rosario said the precinct club officers are those who select and nominate the legislative candidates and not the GOP board of directors.
He said the party’s leadership “does not engage in the arbitrary or capricious acts in selecting precinct leaders.”
The designated leaders for Precinct 3 are Sylvestre R. Sablan, Roman V. Reyes, Jess Wabol, Patrick Diaz, Carlyn DLG. Hofschneider, Skep Palacios, Angel Taman, Tony T. Benavente and Dan Lisua
Only Moses T. Fejeran and Luis John Castro showed up from Precinct 1.
The precinct’s other leaders are Rhonda Nogis, Herbert Del Rosario and former House Majority Leader Ana S. Teregeyo.
Only Dino Palacios showed up from Precinct 2 but he assured the board that their club had a complete slate of leaders, whose names were not disclosed.
Rosario said none of the incumbent Republican legislators have submitted their letters of intent.
However, he expressed confidence that “letters will start pouring in once the precinct clubs have completed electing their officers.”
The six Republican House members, all from Saipan, are expected to seek re-election in November.
Among the three open Senate seats, only one is held by a Republican — Rota’s Paul A. Manglona who is seeking another term.