FROM THE PUBLISHER ’ S DESK
Guam ’ s political idiosyncrasy
Incumbent governors rarely lose party renomination . They have a built-in political machinery that includes people who are currently holding appointive positions and campaign supporters who landed government jobs after the first election . Incumbents have easier access to campaign funds and government resources that can be directly or indirectly used to boost the reelection campaign , which of course raises ethical questions .
The result of the Aug . 27 primary for the Democratic Party ’ s gubernatorial election didn ’ t exactly come as a surprise to many . Gov . Lou Leon Guerrero and her running mate , Lt . Gov . Josh Tenorio , beat their challengers , Congressman Michael San Nicolas , and his running mate , Sabrina Salas Matanane . The incumbent team garnered 62.30 percent of the votes cast , against the San Nicolas-Matanane team ’ s 37.57 percent .
It was a lopsided match : a well-funded campaign versus cotton candy .
Neither Leon Guerrero nor San Nicolas has the charisma which former Gov . Carl Gutierrez was famous for . But the gubernatorial debate hosted by the Guam Medical Association highlighted the political assets of the incumbent governor . Surrounded by more experienced campaign strategists and speech writers , the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio team overshadowed their opponents .
Besides his team ’ s weak performance at the GMA debate , San Nicolas was hounded by the congressional ethics investigation .
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The Covid-triggered rage is wearing off . Guam voters are sliding back into apathy , as gleaned from the 40 percent voter turnout at the primary elections .
Leon Guerrero is headed to the general elections on Nov . 8 to face off against former two-term governor Felix Camacho , who stepped out of political hibernation to try his luck at Adelup again .
Camacho launched his candidacy at the height of public cynicism and skepticism over Leon Guerrero ’ s Covid-19 policies and intentions with the federal coronavirus funds . The timing back then was almost perfect for his easy comeback . The business sector wasn ’ t happy with the shutdowns . The administration was engaging in questionable transactions . The people were getting impatient as they awaited their stimulus money . The legislature was frustrated over the stubborn administration ’ s lack of transparency . The socalled “ freedom fighters ” were protesting the segregation .
But the Covid-triggered rage is wearing off . Guam voters are sliding back into apathy , as gleaned from the 40 percent voter turnout at the primary elections . Republican voters didn ’ t even show enthusiasm ; only 3,182 went to the polls .
Abortion is one key issue that presents a contrast between Leon Guerrero and Camacho , both endorsing their respective parties ’ positions . While both candidates will try to capture the swing votes , Republican leaders are hoping to get San Nicolas ’ supporters to migrate to their camp .
In a statement after the primary , Camacho made a personal appeal . “ I want to reach out to our friends on the Democratic side of the table ,” he said . “ Today , only one team could emerge victors and , despite the sting of defeat , we know that your heart and vision was to bring good things to our island . And , we want to invite you to come and join our Camacho-Ada team .”
The Democratic Party , for its part , has promptly issued a reminder of its “ Code of Fair Campaign Practices ,” which requires “ a pledge to publicly support the party ’ s nominees who are selected in the primary election , and a pledge not to run as a write-in candidate nor to encourage any such movement should the candidate not succeed in the primary election .”
Meanwhile , candidates have begun flexing more political muscles and ramping up their campaigns . Nov . 8 will test the power of gubernatorial incumbency .
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Mar-Vic Cagurangan publisher @ pacificislandtimes . com
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