He vows to “vigorously protect the interest of the indigenous people of the CNMI.”
According to Atalig, he is the “only candidate that can represent the Carolinians because I’m half Carolinian.”
He said he is also the candidate whose family originally came from Rota.
Atalig said he will not give up his council seat once he files his candidacy.
“There’s no violation if I continue to hold my position,” he added.
Atalig is a member of the Republican Party, but he will run as an Independent.
The GOP has already nominated Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio.
“The best candidate will win,” he said.
Atalig wants voters to know who among the candidates could “truly represent” the CNMI in the U.S. Congress.
His agenda will include more federal assistance for public health programs and the nomination of qualified Rota students to U.S. service academies.
He claims that Tenorio only nominates students from Tinian and Saipan.
Atalig said he is willing to debate his opponents, including the proponents of the marine monument proposal, which he opposes.
