GOP leaders earlier expressed disappointment that some party members, particularly House Floor Leader Joseph James N. Camacho was publicly supporting Independent candidate Gregorio C. Sablan.
Camacho attended the GOP meeting presided by party president Ed Tenorio at the Hana Restaurant of Hafa Adai Hotel in Garapan.
Pete A. Tenorio, for his part, said he was surprised by how “broadminded” the Republican leaders were for allowing Camacho to listen to the GOP’s plans and confidential information that only the party leadership should know.
He said he respects and understands Camacho’s position.
Blood ties still matter
Family ties, according to Rep. Joseph C. Reyes, still matter —and are actually tearing the party apart.
“We are torn between family and party,” he said.
Camacho is Sablan’s cousin.
Tenorio’s campaign committee, is very strong, Reyes said, but family ties are also very strong.
Pete A. Tenorio agreed.
Blood ties are very important in local politics, the former lt. governor said.
He said “keeping the bond called family” is what makes the culture of the local people strong.
According to the Washington representative, when he goes around the community, the first people that he wants to talk to are his friends and relatives, because he values them, their support, their confidence and especially the fact that they are related.
There are some people who make independent decisions, he added, “but I don’t see that there’s a yard-stick where you can really say that one is a stronger than the other, or independent thinking is stronger than family relationship.”
The purpose of Friday’s meeting, Pete A. Tenorio said, was essentially to bring the party leadership together because it has been a long time since they last met to discuss their plans for the election.
The party president briefed them about what is currently happening and reiterated to get the commitment of all members to fully participate in the election and support their candidate.
At the end of the meeting, everybody said they’re all committed to move forward and support his candidacy, Pete A. Tenorio said.
Reyes said while they acknowlege family ties, they also continue to believe in the value of party affiliation.
Party rules mandate party loyalty, he added.
The party, he said is now trying to regain the momentum for this coming election.
Despite differences, they are now trying to solidify themselves, Reyes.
“There have been minor misunderstandings or perhaps lack of understanding among ourselves. But the party has been waiting for us to better organize ourselves so that we can move on again for this forthcoming election.” Reyes said.
“I feel the party is in the right direction for this historical election, and the appeal is to get everybody together so that we can better solidify the party and get Pete A. to the U.S. Congress,” he added.
