THEY may not have the machinery of their opponents, but Guam gubernatorial candidate Sen. Felix P. Camacho and running mate Sen. Kaleo S. Moyla remain confident of their chances.
Camacho, who was here with Moylan for a fund-raising event, said their combined long years of experience and “youthful energy” would bring them all the way to the Office of the Governor.
Camacho-Moylan will face Speaker Tony Unpingco, R-Santa Rita, and running mate Sen. Eddie Calvo, R-Maite, in the Republican primary this September. The general elections will be held on Nov. 5.
“What Camacho and Moylan represent is youthful energy. We also got the experience, having worked in the Legislature and in the private sector for many years,” Camacho, R-Tamuning, said.
He said they offer a “very balanced, cohesive, energetic and hardworking team.”
“We are confident that we can get there,” Moylan, R-Barrigada, told Variety separately.
Camacho’s father is the late Gov. Carlos G. Camacho, Guam’s first elected governor.
Moylan is the son of Guam’s first elected lt. governor, Kurt S. Moylan.
Hundreds of their CNMI supporters showed up during Saturday night’s fund-raising event at Pacific Islands Club. These included Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente and acting Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Vicky I. Benavente.
“We are happy to welcome them here. I am here to show our support for our fellow Republicans,” Lt. Governor Benavente told Variety.
According to Mrs. Benavente, the Camacho-Moylan tandem would carry Guam through its difficult economic situation.
“They have got the experience and the energy to keep going,” she added.
Mrs. Benavente’s father, Lorenzo LG. Iriarte, served as Guam director of public health and director of corrections when Camacho and Moylan’s fathers were the island’s two highest elected officials.
Also attending the fund-raiser were Sen. Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, Reps. Benjamin B. Seman, R-Saipan, Frank DLG. Aldan, R-Saipan, MVA Chairman David Sablan, Duty Free Shop-Saipan President Marian Aldan-Pierce, Retirement Fund trustees Marian Tudela, Sue T. Mafnas, Election Commission Executive Director Greg Sablan, former Rep. David M. Apatang and former special assistant for programs and legislative review Gloria W. Hunter.
Senator Camacho said economy is the biggest issue that needs focus.
Moylan said the economic downturn will only be addressed if certain economic sectors are restructured and tourism is expanded.
He said there is a need to further establish the “commonalty” of Guam and the CNMI’s economies.
Moylan also favors continued military presence on Guam, which means “more jobs and more employment.”
But there is also a need for additional capital improvement projects, particularly roads, water and utilities, which would further entice investors to do business on Guam, he said.
With about 90 days before the primary in September, the Camacho-Moylan camp is “very positive” that they will be the GOP’s nominees.
“We are optimistic that we will prevail,” said Joann Garcia Camacho, the senator’s wife.
Whoever wins the GOP primary will run against either Congressman Robert Underwood or Guam First Lady Geri Gutierrez—the Democratic aspirants.
“I know that Underwood is popular and Gutierrez is very organized and (both are) financially capable, but we are very confident,” Camacho said.
Moylan said it was their team that first declared their candidacies in February.
“We are very strong and we feel to be the front-runners now,” Moylan said.
