If the two fails to reach a decision, GOP chairman for Rota Ed Maratita said the party has two options—hold a mayoral primary or forego endorsing anybody for the position.
“It’s a possibility that GOP will have no candidate for mayor,” said Maratita.
At the same time, Maratita said they will only field one senatorial candidate—Senator Paterno Hocog.
Maratita said no other candidates are interested to pair with Hocog, one of the longest serving senators from Rota.
For the House of Representatives, Maratita confirmed that Ross Manglona, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services director, will be their official candidate.
Another GOP member, Teresita Santos, will run as Independent candidate for the House, he said.
The GOP in Rota is giving both Hocog and Mesngon until tomorrow to talk among themselves to decide who will be the official mayoral candidate of the party.
If Hocog and Mesngon failed to come up with an understanding, Maratita said, the GOP will have two options—conduct a primary for the mayoral bet or not to endorse any candidate.
Maratita said they still have time to hold a primary because the certification of candidates won’t happen until after August 10.
He expressed confidence that Rota remains one of the GOP’s stronghold and could deliver massive victory for its candidates this Nov. 7 general elections.
The GOP’s senatorial bet will compete against five Independent candidates – Joey Quitugua, Jovita Taimano, Juan Ayuyu, Lobert Mundo, and Calistra Pendergrass.
