BESIDES Kimberlyn King-Hinds, two other individuals are interested in running as the NMI Republican Party’s candidate for Congress, party president Diego T. Benavente said on Thursday.
The deadline for submitting a letter of intent is March 15, he added.
If two or more persons want to run as the GOP candidate for Congress, a primary will be held before the November general election, Benavente said.
Asked about the names of the two other individuals, Benavente said: “John Oliver Gonzales has sent a letter of intent while the other one met with me, but he has not finalized his decision.” He did not provide the name of the other individual.
Benavente said the selection process “will be fair, whether there are two or three candidates — we do have some options that have been done in the past. What I’m trying to avoid is for someone to feel unfairly treated … and that is something that I’d rather not happen.”
He said the party “will be certainly happy to support any of the three, who are all quality candidates. … We are looking forward to pushing for all our candidates … in the midterm election.”
House Floor Leader Edwin Propst, a Democrat, has already announced his candidacy for Congress.
Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, former Judge Juan Tudela Lizama and Rep. Thomas John Manglona have also expressed interest in running for Congress.
The incumbent Democrat delegate, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, said he will not seek a ninth term, and has instead endorsed Propst’s candidacy. Also supporting Propst is Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and several House members.
