U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan on Sunday endorsed the candidacies of fellow Democrats Rep. Tina Sablan, who is running for governor, and her running mate, Rep. Leila Staffler.
Kilili, who is seeking reelection this year on the Democratic ticket, said Tina Sablan and Leila Staffler are candidates of “moral standards and good character.”
In a statement, Kilili said: “Leila Staffler and Tina Sablan, together — what a team to lead the Marianas!
“Mrs. Staffler’s leadership skills were developed in her years as a school principal in Kagman. She was known for her ability to build consensus and for the many successes of the Ayuyu community that resulted. Seeing how well she worked with students and parents, I encouraged Leila to run for public office and represent her entire Kagman community. Now, she has developed the same reputation for teamwork with her colleagues in the Legislature, a style of leadership she will surely bring to the office of lieutenant governor.
“Besides the competence and incorruptibility that is the basis for their candidacy, of course, Leila Staffler and Tina Sablan are also making history.
“Leila is the first person from — a daughter of — Tinian ever to join any party’s ticket for governor and lieutenant governor.
“And for Tina and Leila — two women — to seek the highest offices in our Commonwealth is also history in the making. But elect them for what they can do. Tina Sablan and Leila Staffler are smart and hard working. Their high moral standards and good character will always guide them as they guide our Commonwealth through the difficult days ahead.
“I support them both with all my heart. I will be campaigning alongside them from now to election day, and I look forward to working closely with them as your representative in [the U.S.] Congress.
“Today, I ask all my friends, supporters, and family to join me in supporting and voting for Tina Sablan and Leila Staffler for governor and lieutenant governor.”
The NMI Democratic Party, for its part, is inviting members of the public to attend the party’s gubernatorial campaign kick-off for Tina Sablan and Leila Staffler on Jan. 26, 2022 at the Garapan Fishing Base, at 4:45 p.m. with a roadside waving activity set to start at 4 p.m.
The event will be outdoors to permit physical distancing. Seats will be limited so bring a beach chair, and all attendees are asked to wear masks.
The event will also be streamed online at the Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Island’s Facebook page.
For more information, contact 484-3367(DEMS) or email nmidems.sm@gmail.com
The other gubernatorial tandems are Republican Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and his running mate, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan; and the independent team of Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and his running mate, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang.
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan
