FORMER NMI Democratic Party Chair Daniel Quitugua has endorsed the Republican tandem of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan.
Quitugua told Variety on Wednesday that Torres and Sablan are committed to prioritizing the economic interests of people of Northern Marianas Descent.
The Republican tandem will face the Independent team of Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang in a runoff election set for Nov. 25.
“I [also] sat down with the lt. governor on the same subject, on the economic interests of NMDs… similarly with the governor, so I had a chance to compare not only their commitment, but their plans and their passion,” Quitugua said.
“One of the things that I have been very much on the lookout for during the campaign was to see who among the Democrats, Independents, or Republicans…have a section [in their platforms] regarding their advocacy for [people of] Northern Marianas Descent. None — not a single candidate mentioned it. Sure, I heard remarks regarding Article 12 and it’s a related issue, but nothing in terms of furthering the economic interests of [NMDs],” he said.
“It seems to me that [this] issue was something that is not a priority for our local candidates, and that is very surprising to me. When the governor expressed his support and his plan to uplift the economic interests of [NMDs] I reciprocated, because that’s exactly what I am so passionate about.”
Asked for comment, NMI Democratic Party Chair Jonathan Cabrera said, “Daniel Quitugua has resigned from the Democratic Party. Though he claims to have retired from partisan politics, his recent endorsement of the Torres-Sablan ticket reveals otherwise. As a private citizen, Mr. Quitugua is entitled to his choice in the runoff election.”
From left, Brando De Belen of the Kababayan group, Republican Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, former NMI Democratic Party Chair Daniel O. Quitugua and Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan flash the no. 2 sign as they pose for a photo. Torres and Sablan are no. 2 on the runoff ballot.
