In an interview, Quitugua said seeking reelection or retiring are his two other options.
But a lot of people are encouraging him to go ahead with his Senate bid, so that he can start dealing with broader issues facing the CNMI.
After three terms as Precinct 4’s representative, Quitugua said, “I think I have learned a lot. My concern is for the people’s interest and not my own that’s why I think I’ve been able to serve people beyond my precinct.”
Quitugua said some residents on Rota called him two days ago asking him how to get in touch with the officers of the Democratic Party.
These Rota residents, he added, want to help revive the party.
Quitugua said the current party officers should call for a general membership meeting so they can listen to all the concerns of the community and the general members.
“And from there, at least we can move forward to improve the image of the party in the community,” he said, adding that he has already communicated with party chairman Manny Sablan.
Party of the poor
Quitugua said he remains loyal to the Democratic Party because he likes its principles, which include helping the poor.
“If you look at the Democratic governors and senators in the past, you don’t see any of them getting rich because they took care of the people first before themselves,” he said.
“That’s what I like about the Democratic Party’s principle — the people first. The party has always been the poor people’s party,” he added.
The Democratic Party should have a slate for the November elections, but some Democrats’ “economic situation” is preventing them from seeking office, Quitugua said.
He believes that voters nowadays are now smarter. “They now select the candidate they think will give them good service,” he said.
Saipan voters will elect two senators this November. Senate President Pete P. Reyes, a Republican, is seeking re-election, but the other incumbent, Democrat Maria T. Pangelinan, is retiring from politics.
