Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, a former Democrat, announced during the meeting that because his former party “denied me opportunities” he is part of the GOP now.
Prior to Babauta’s nomination during the party meeting at the Garapan Central Park, GOP members led by Juan I. Tenorio moved to suspend the party by-laws in order to elect new officers.
The positions of party president, second vice president and secretary were left vacant after Dave Attao resigned several days ago. First vice president Emi Pelican said second vice president Donald Barcinas and secretary Alisa Pangelinan no longer wanted to be party officials.
After some members declined the nomination for each vacant position, Tenorio, Michael Kiyoshi and former Saipan mayor’s public information officer Tony Benavente were elected president, second vice president and secretary.
Palican and Ray Salas are the party’s first vice president and treasurer.
The party members then endorsed the candidacy of Babauta.
Tenorio said the former governor was the only Republican to submit a letter of intent.
Babauta accepted the nomination and vowed to “bring back the GOP to how it was before — strong and with a voice in Washington.”
Former Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, who was the running mate of GOP gubernatorial candidate Heinz S. Hoschfneider, in the last elections attended the meeting.
Saying that the GOP is “still very strong,” Palacios asked the people of the CNMI to rally behind Babauta’s candidacy.
Republican National Committeeman Roman “Bo” Palacios said because their party is gaining strength in the U.S. Congress, it is important for the CNMI to have a GOP congressional delegate.
