SENATOR-ELECT Corina Magofna said her loyalty is to the people of the CNMI.
Magofna garnered 5,202 or the second highest number of votes in the Saipan senatorial race as an Independent candidate. The top vote-getter was Democratic Rep. Celina Babauta who received 5,743 votes.
House Minority Leader Angel A. Demapan with 4,886 votes and fellow Republican Janet U. Maratita with 3,651 votes finished third and fourth.
The other Independent candidate, former Rep. Andrew S. Salas, came in fifth with 2,780 votes.
Magofna, who won a House seat as a Democrat in a special election last year, said she was deeply touched by the voters’ support.
“Our people have exercised their right afforded to them by our Constitution,” she said. “Their voices have been heard, and I am humbled and honored to be given an opportunity to occupy a seat of leadership, trust and compassion — the ‘people’s seat.’ ”
She said “nothing is more important than for our people to exercise a right bestowed upon [us] by our forefathers….”
“Our constitutional right to vote,” she added, places a burden on those who wish to suppress our God-given rights to freedom of choice, life and liberty. Furthermore, it enables and encourages us to honor and respect one another for our uniqueness, individuality or likeness.”
According to Magofna, “We must constantly remind ourselves and one another each and every day where and to whom our loyalty lies with. And that is, the people of the Commonwealth and no other.”
Rep. Corina Magofna and supporters wave to motorists during a campaign event on Beach Road in San Jose last month.
