Even before his official announcement of his candidacy, Atalig said he was already “getting feedback from the community.”
“I got a very good response from the people,” he said.
The rumor that he will withdraw from the race is “part of a smear political campaign” against him, he told Variety.
“They want to take my vote,” he added. “They are hoping that I withdraw. But I cannot and I am even looking forward to this election.”
Atalig refused to say if he was referring to any particular person.
“I am not running to be a radio host talk,” he said, reiterating his 20 years of service in the government.
He said the people of the Northern Marianas needs “strong representation” in the U.S. Congress.
Atalig wants to see what the other candidates “can offer to the people of Northern Marianas in terms of their accomplishments.”
One of his “landmark achievements,” he said, was his participation in the discussions that led to the end of the islands’ Trust Territory status, the inauguration of the commonwealth government, and the granting of U.S. citizenship to the local people.
In 1976, he said, he introduced an amendment to the CNMI Constitution that “protects the indigenous people from the exploitation of foreigners.”
“Who is the person with most legislative experience? Felipe Quitugua Atalig is the name they should consider,” he added.
The other candidates are Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, former Sen. David M. Cing, former Judge Juan T. Lizama, former Election Commission Executive Director Gregorio C. Sablan, Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, TV talk show host John DLR. Gonzales and businessman Chong M. Won.
