Saipan Tribune

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Ex-gov Babauta to seek top post anew

Former governor Juan N. Babauta disclosed yesterday his decision to run for governor in November.

After months of evading questions about his political plans, Babauta finally confirmed his desire to reclaim the local government's top seat.

However, when pressed on his choice for running mate, the former governor played coy, saying the announcement of his choice for lieutenant governor and committee-to-elect members will be known Saturday evening at his Middle Road residence.

There have been information about teaming up with his former senior policy adviser, Galvin Deleon Guerrero, for the second top position. Babauta neither confirmed nor denied the information yesterday.

Deleon Guerrero could not be reached when contacted by Saipan Tribune yesterday.

Babauta has yet to mention the platforms of his candidacy and his motivation to run for the office. He said he is reserving it for Saturday's proclamation night.

Babauta first ran for governor under the Republican ticket with Diego Benavente, his former lieutenant governor. Benavente has already made known his decision to also seek the gubernatorial post.

Babauta was elected governor of the CNMI in November 2001, receiving 42 percent of the vote in a four-way race, coming far ahead of his opponents.

In 2005, he sought re-election but was defeated, receiving only 26 percent of the vote to come in third place in a tight four-way race between incumbent Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, Babauta, and Froilan Tenorio, also a former governor.

Babauta's public service career began with his election to a four-year term as senator serving in the fifth and sixth legislatures.

At the end of his term, he was elected as resident representative to the U.S.-a position he served for three four-year terms.

The former governor is the fifth individual to announce his election bid. Others are Fitial, Benavente, former senator and CUC executive director Ramon “Kumoi” Guerrero, and businessman and former lawmaker Juan “Pan” T. Guerrero.

MORE Local