The GOP is scheduled to hold a major rally at the civic center this Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Hofschneider, who lost to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in the 2005 gubernatorial elections by 84 votes, said their team is not making promises but is instead offering visions, ideas and proposals.
“I don’t think we have any promises. These are plans, ideas, visions and proposals for the people to think about. Promises have really put us in this predicament. You know, they promise one thing but they never fulfill and that takes away hope from the people and it makes it even harder to get back their trust back,” the lawmaker told the Variety.
Palacios said they are offering commitment and hard work to serve the people of the commonwealth.
“Hard work and solutions, accountability and real transparency [that’s our commitment],” said the speaker.
He said transparency and good governance are the keys to the CNMI’s lingering problems.
“I know that word [transparency] has been overused but people want to know what’s going on with their government. We need to be upfront and honest with our people,” he added.
Hofschneider said a lot of the CNMI’s problems are not new.
“Looking back in retrospect, 16 years ago, there are really no new problems. We had the power problem 16 years ago. The economic downturn was quite evident back then. But we have never really put any solution to cushion the economic slide,” he said.
“Now, we have the added impact of the economic displacement which is social displacement. That is the real problem for our community. Arnold and I pledge to focus on this important issue,” he added.
GOP acting President Dave Attao said they have decided to file all at the same time to highlight unity among the Republicans.
“We are a team and we are supporting each other,” Attao said.
Joining the candidates of the GOP, including those from Tinian and Rota, were their families and supporters.
At least three members of the ruling Covenant Party members have switched to the GOP — Rep. Francisco Dela Cruz, former Rep. Janet U. Maratita returning to her former party and former Public Works Secretary Jose S. Demapan.
The following are the GOP candidates for the House of Representatives: Rep. Diego T. Benavente; Vice Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero; Joseph M. Palacios; Janet U. Maratita; Antonio P. Sablan; Eric B. Atalig; Manuel A. Tenorio; Daniel I. Aquino Jr.; Jesus M. Castro; Rep. Dela Cruz; Ramon S. Salas; Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb; Rep. Ray N. Yumul; Juan R. Babauta; Francisco DLG Camacho; Rep. Rosemond B. Santos; Jose S. Demapan; Eliceo D. Cabrera; Trento B. Conner.
Norbert H. Mundo and Sen. Paterno S. Hocog are running for the Senate. Ramon M. Dela Cruz is the GOP’s bet for the mayoral race on Tinian while Donald P. Flores is the mayoral candidate on Saipan.
Tinian Sen. Jude Hofschneider and Senate President Pete P. Reyes of Saipan are seeking reelection.
Rep. Ralph Anthony DLG. Torres is also seeking a Senate seat on Saipan.
