Lizama said the CNMI political parties historically have no strong ties with either the national Republicans or Democrats.
“To say that using a party’s name will somehow get doors to open in Washington, D.C., is just plain false,” Lizama said.
The CNMI delegate, he added, must be able to work both sides of the aisle to get things done.
The CNMI delegate who does not vote, needs to be friends with everyone, the former judge said.
“The delegate must be a diplomat,” he added.
A few days ago, leaders of the local GOP said an Independent delegate may not effectively represent the CNMI in the U.S. Congress which they described as “very partisan.”
Currently there is no Independent member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Local GOP leader said there’s no guarantee that an Independent delegate will get a U.S. House committee assignment.
But Lizama said if he would be elected, he could align with the majority Democratic caucus. He added that he is also not prevented from joining the Republican caucus.
According to Lizama, the Democratic leaders of the U.S. Congress will prefer to have a CNMI delegate aligned with them.
“If elected, I will, as soon as possible, meet with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her entire leadership,” Lizama said.
