2009 Northern Mariana Islands general election

none December 2024 Northern Mariana Islands yes presidential Gubernatorial election November 7, 2009 (first round)November 23, 2009 (runoff) 2005 Northern Mariana Islands general election 2005 2014 Northern Mariana Islands general election 2014 File:Benigno Fitial 2009.jpg 150x150px Benigno Fitial Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Eloy Inos 6,610 51.44% File:3x4.svg Heinz Hofschneider Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Arnold Palacios 6,240 48.56% Northern Mariana Islands 2009 gubernatorial election map.svg 200px Results by voting district: Benigno Fitial: #78e478ff 50–55% #5bc75bff 55–60% #309630ff 65–70% Heinz Hofschneider: #f8b3b6ff 50–55% Governor Benigno Repeki Fitial Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Benigno Repeki Fitial Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Senate election yes November 7, 2009 6 of the 9 seats in the Senate 5 yes yes 2007 2012 Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) 5 3 Independents 4 1 House election November 7, 2009 yes All 20 seats in the House of Representatives 11 yes yes 2007 2012 Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) 9 12 Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) 7 4 Independents 4 3 Mayoral elections yes 2005 2014 4 Mayors yes yes yes Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) 2 Independents 2 General elections were held in the Northern Mariana Islands on November 7, 2009. Voters in the Northern Mariana Islands voted for the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, 6 seats in the Northern Mariana Islands Senate, all twenty seats in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives, 4 mayors, seats for the municipal council, and seats for the board of education. Additionally, a referendum was held. This was the last general election to be held on an odd year. This election also saw the extension all office holding officials by one year to move the elections to even-years,2008-12-02 Charter change pushed to amend NMI election year https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/b2919b34-1dfb-11e4-aedf-250bc8c9958e/ 2023-06-12 Saipan Tribune en-US corresponding with the elections of other federal and state offices, including the nationwide United States House of Representatives elections and the United States general elections. This election also oversaw the first run-off to be held in the Northern Mariana Islands, which were held on November 23, 2009. Benigno Repeki Fitial became the first governor to win a second term since 1985 and the first time a candidate won a majority since 1993 thanks to the newly implemented run-off voting system.Staff Variety News 2012-09-14 Variations: The price of hubris https://www.mvariety.com/views/editorials/variations-the-price-of-hubris/article_15f0cea3-c08d-5aca-884b-29f29b73ef44.html 2023-12-24 Marianas Variety News & Views en Background A total of 16,146 voters registered to vote with the Commonwealth Election Commission for the 2009 election.Gemma Q. Casas Registered voters up by 15% http://www.mvarietynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20879:rifle-stolen-from-a-car-&catid=17:palau-news&Itemid=5 Marianas Variety 2009-10-13 2009-10-12 That is a 15% increase in voters compared to the 15,118 people who registered to vote in the 2005 general election. Precinct 1 on Saipan, which includes the villages of San Antonio, San Vicente and Koblerville, had the most number of registered voters at 4,331. Voter registration ended on September 18, 2009. A total of 109 candidates vied for the 43 elected positions in the Northern Mariana Islands in the 2009 election. The contested offices included the offices of governor & lieutenant governor, the twenty seats in the House of Representative, six (of nine) seats in the Senate as well as mayoral posts and various local offices. At least 18,000 ballots designed to be read by counting machines were printed in Alabama for the 2009 election, according to the executive director of the Election Commission, Robert Guerrero. In early 2009, Benigno Fitial, known as Uncle Ben, was under extreme pressure from his rivals and the general populace, being known as the unpopular incumbent who broke all his major campaign promises. He had stopped paying Retirement Fund contributions. The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation was on the verge of collapse. The Commonwealth had lost a major part of its self-determination through the lost control over minimum wage and immigration to the United States Federal Government.Staff Variety News 2012-09-14 Variations: The price of hubris https://www.mvariety.com/views/editorials/variations-the-price-of-hubris/article_15f0cea3-c08d-5aca-884b-29f29b73ef44.html 2024-06-11 Marianas Variety News & Views en His Lieutenant Governor Timothy Pangelinan Villagomez and Commerce Secretary James A. Santos were in federal prison for corruption.Sebastian Stefan 2008-08-12 Villagomez, 3 others indicted http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=82452&cat=1 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080819214812/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=82452&cat=1 2008-08-19 2024-06-11 Saipan Tribune Campaign Major election issues included the Commonwealth's faltering economy and the federalization of the Northern Mariana Islands' immigration by the United States government. Republican Hofschneider and his running mate, Palacios, challenged incumbent governor Benigno Fitial and his running mate, Lieutenant Governor Eloy Inos, in the general election. Former legislator Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero ran as an independent, with sitting CNMI Rep. Joe Camacho as his running mate. Another former legislator, Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero, campaigned as an independent, with former Education Commissioner David M. Borja as his running mate.Gemma Casas GOP billboards vandalized http://www.mvarietynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16066:gop-billboards-vandalized&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=2 Marianas Variety News & Views 2009-04-13 2009-06-27 The race was widely viewed as a rematch between Fitial and Hofschneider, who was narrowly defeated in 2005. The gubernatorial candidates focused heavily on the estimated 3,000 Northern Mariana Islanders residing on the United States mainland, many of whom were eligible to vote be absentee ballot.Haidee Eugenio Fitial off to Calif. for Labor Day festivities with NMI residents http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=93226 Saipan Tribune 2009-09-02 2009-11-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308203943/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=93226 2012-03-08 dead Three of the four gubernatorial candidates - Governor Fitial, Hofschneider and Juan Pan Guerrero - attended a Labor Day festival for Northern Mariana Islanders in San Diego, California, in September 2009.Haidee V. Eugenio Fitial, Heinz, Juan Pan in San Diego Labor Day fest http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=93281 Saipan Tribune 2009-09-04 2009-11-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308203958/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=93281 2012-03-08 dead Independent candidate Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero and his running mate, Joe Camacho, campaigned throughout the western United States in August and September. Guerrero and Camacho began campaigning in Salem and Portland, Oregon, before travelling to Seattle, Boise, Idaho, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego and Honolulu. Because of his broken campaign promises and the major corruption scandals his administration faced, Benigno Fitial couldn't run on his record. Instead, he told the electorate to "Let it BE!" as he skillfully exploited the still simmering rift between the two GOP factions and handed out promises of government jobs and contracts to key Republicans. The Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands did not nominate a candidate for governor in 2009. The only offices which were contested by the Democrats in 2009 were certain seats in the legislature and the mayorship of Saipan. Gubernatorial election The incumbent Governor, Benigno Fitial of the Covenant Party, successfully ran for a second term; his running mate, Lt. Governor Eloy Inos, was elected to his first full term. Fitial faced three challengers in the November 7 general election: Republican nominee Heinz Hofschneider, independent Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero, and independent Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero. Because of a law signed by Governor Fitial on July 24, 2009, a runoff election between the candidates who received the highest and second-highest vote totals would be required if no candidate obtained more than 50% of the overall vote. Under this 2009 law, a runoff would occur 14 days after the results of the general election are certified by the Commonwealth Election Commission.Andrew De Guzman Fitial approves runoff law http://mvarietynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18797:fitial-approves-runoff-law&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=2 Marianas Variety News & Views 2009-07-29 2009-07-31 This election indeed required a runoff, as neither Fitial nor Hofschneider garnered more than 50% of the vote in the November 7 election.Moneth Deposa Over 200 voters register on final day of enrollment http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=93660 Saipan Tribune 2009-09-19 2009-10-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224074311/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=93660 2012-02-24 dead On election day, Republican challenger Hofschneider received 4,900 votes and incumbent governor Fitial received 4,892 votes, therefore advancing to the runoff election held on November 23, 2009.Haidee V. Eugenio Independents to seal Heinz or Fitial victory http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=94934 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-09 2009-11-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308203928/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=94934 2012-03-08 dead Haidee V. Eugenio CNMI holds first runoff election http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=95301&cat=1 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20120112021521/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=95301&cat=1 2012-01-12 dead Of the 13,784 total votes cast in the first round on November 7, Hofschneider led Fitial by just 8 votes, the closest gubernatorial election in the history of the Northern Mariana Islands. In the November 23 runoff election, Governor Fital was reelected by a 370-vote margin.Northern Marianas governor wins re-election The Honolulu Advertiser Associated Press 7 December 2009 http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091207/BREAKING01/91207026/Northern+Marianas+governor+wins+re-election https://web.archive.org/web/20230603090721/http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091207/BREAKING01/91207026/Northern+Marianas+governor+wins+re-election dead June 3, 2023 8 December 2009 With a margin of 2.8%, this election was the closest race of the 2009 gubernatorial election cycle. Benigno Fitial was elected to serve a five-year term in office as governor instead of the normal four-year term,Gemma Casas Northern Marianas' election race heats up http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/200911/2744614.htm?desktop Radio Australia 2009-11-17 2009-11-23 2011-07-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125217/http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/200911/2744614.htm?desktop usurped due to the Senate Legislative Initiative 16–11, which was one of the four ballot initiatives ratified in the November 7 election. Under the Senate Legislative Initiative 16–11, future general (including gubernatorial) elections will be held only in even-numbered years instead of odd-numbered years, such as 2009. Therefore, the next gubernatorial election took place in 2014 rather than 2013. Candidates Covenant Party Benigno R. Fitial, incumbent governor of the Northern Mariana Islands (serving since 2006) and former Northern Mariana Islands Representatives (including tenure as Speaker of the House) Eloy Inos is Fitial's running mate. Inos was appointed and confirmed as Lt. Governor on May 1, 2009, following the resignation of Timothy Villagomez.Gemma Q. Casas New CNMI Lieutenant Governor Confirmed http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2009/may/05-04-12.htm East West Center Marianas Variety News & Views 2000-05-04 2009-10-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110616062052/http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2009/may/05-04-12.htm 2011-06-16 dead Independents Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero Joe Camacho is Guerrero's running mate. Camacho is currently a Republican Representative and Floor Leader of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives.Moneth Deposa Camacho jumps ship, agrees to partnership with Juan Pan http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=88409 Saipan Tribune 2009-03-11 2009-10-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224074447/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=88409 2012-02-24 dead Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero, former Northern Mariana Islands Senator (serving 2000–2004) David Borja, a former Education Commissioner, is Guerrero's running mate.Moneth Deposa Guerrero-Borja team first to file candidacy http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=91866&cat=1 Saipan Tribune 2009-07-11 2009-07-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224073518/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=91866&cat=1 2012-02-24 dead Republican Party Former Northern Mariana Governor Juan N. Babauta, a Republican, declared his intention to run for governor and challenge Fitial in January 2009.Moneth Deposa Ex-gov Babauta to seek top post anew http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=87352 Saipan Tribune 2009-01-30 2009-02-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20090204081136/http://saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=87352 2009-02-04 dead His running mate was Galvin Deleon Guerrero, a member of the CNMI Board of Education. Babauta was then defeated in the Republican primary by sitting CNMI Rep. Heinz Sablan Hofschneider, a former Speaker of the House, for the Republican Party nomination. Hofschneider's running mate is CNMI Rep. Arnold Indalecio Palacios, the current Speaker of the House. Before the Republican primary, which was held on June 27, 2009, Hofschneider and Babauta signed a unity pledge, with each candidate pledging to support the winner of the primary. Hofschneider won the primary on June 27 with about 53% of the votes cast. Hofschneider won at six of the eight precincts. After the results were announced, the candidates convened and embraced; Babauta threw his support to Hofschneider and said that he would accept the people's decision.Emmanuel Erediano Hofschneider is GOP Nominee; Babauta Reiterates Unity Pledge http://www.mvarietynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18049:hofschneider-is-gop-nominee-babauta-reiterates-unity-pledge&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=2 Marianas Variety News & Views 2009-06-27 2009-06-27 After Babauta had asked his supporters to vote for Hofschneider in the general election, Hofschneider called Babauta and his supporters "a crucial part of the campaign toward November."Emmanuel Erediano Republicans are one again http://www.mvarietynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18058:republicans-are-one-again&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=2 Marianas Variety News & Views 2009-06-29 2009-06-28 Republican Primary results Heinz S. Hofschneider Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) 3,382 53 Juan N. Babauta Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) 2,986 47 6,368 100 Polling Source Dates Administered Fitial (C) Hofschneider (R) Juan Guerrero (I) Ramon Guerrero (I) UndecidedUniversity of GuamUniversity of Guam October 27, 2009 27% 27% 19% 12% 16%Marianas ConsultingMarianas Consulting October 29 - Nov. 4, 2009 15% 29% 20% 7% 22% Election day Polls on election day opened at 7 a.m. on November 7, 2009. Three of the four gubernatorial candidates cast their ballots in the morning at Garapan Elementary School in Garapan, Saipan.Haidee V. Eugenio Polling places open; 3 of 4 governors lead voting in Garapan http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=94909 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-07 2009-11-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308203859/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=94909 2012-03-08 dead Incumbent governor Benigno Fitial and First Lady Josie Fitial voted at 7:10 a.m., Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero arrived at the school at 7:20 a.m. and independent candidate Juan Pan Guerrero voted after 9 a.m. Republican candidate Heinz Hofschneider also voted at Garapan Elementary School at 6 p.m. later that day. An estimated 84% of registered voters participated in the election. In the November 7 general election, Republican challenger Heinz Hofschneider received 4,900 votes and incumbent governor Benigno Fitial received 4,892 votes,2009 CNMI General Election Results https://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/archive/97-archive/election-results/121-2009-general-election-results Commonwealth Election Commission 2023-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20110722222046/http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/electionresults.php 2011-07-22 therefore both advanced to the runoff election slated for November 23, 2009. A total of 13,784 votes were cast in the first round. Hofschneider led Fitial by just eight votes, the closest gubernatorial election in the history of the Northern Mariana Islands. Independent candidates Juan Pan Guerrero and Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero came in 3rd and 4th place respectively and, therefore, did not qualify for the second runoff election. Under a 2009 law signed by Governor Benigno Fitial, a runoff election is required within fourteen days of the if no candidate obtained 50% of the popular vote plus 1. Since neither Fitial nor Hofschneider garnered more than 50% of the vote, a runoff date was set for November 23, 2009. Runoff The Commonwealth Election Commission certified the results of the general election on November 9 and set the date of the runoff election between Fitial and Hofschneider for Monday, November 23.Haidee V. Eugenio Inos reaches out to Independents http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=94959&cat=1 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-10 2009-11-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308204106/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=94959&cat=1 2012-03-08 dead In a November 17 memorandum, Governor Fitial declared November 23 a legal holiday in the Northern Mariana Islands to encourage voter turnout.Haidee V. Eugenio Be counted in NMI's first runoff election http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95255 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-20 2009-11-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308204115/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95255 2012-03-08 dead The candidates qualifying for the runoff on November 23, 2009, were incumbent Covenant Party Governor Benigno Fitial and Republican candidate, Rep. Heinz Hofschneider. The incumbent ticket of Fitial-Inos campaigned for re-election on a theme of "proven leadership and proven experience," while the rival Hofscneider-Palacios campaign advocated a "change in leadership" to voters. Both the Fitial and Hofschneider campaigns reached out to supporters of the independent candidates who did not qualify for the November 23rd runoff, Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero and Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero. The support of these independent voters was considered vital both Fitial's and Hofschneider's candidacies. Former independent candidate Juan "Pan" Guerrero declined to endorse either Fitial or Hofschneider in one-page statement released on November 13, 2009.Haidee V. Eugenio Juan 'Pan' not endorsing Fitial and Hofschneider http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95095 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-14 2009-11-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308204044/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95095 2012-03-08 dead Instead, Guerrero, who came in third in the gubernatorial election, called on CNMI voters, especially his supporters, to support the candidate who best "represents a better future for themselves, their families, and the Commonwealth." Guerrero further elaborated that, "As soon as it was clear that I would not be in the runoff election, I urged supporters to make their own choices about whom to support-Ben and Eloy or Heinz and Arnold." In his statement, Guerrero noted that he make no further public statements concerning the election before the runoff. Guerrero's running mate in the 2009 election, Joe Camacho, issued his own statement on November 12 endorsing the Covenant Party ticket of Governor Benigno Fitial and Lt. Governor Eloy Inos for re-election. Camacho's brother, Clyde Norita, who was the chairman for the executive committee to Elect Juan Guerrero and Joe Camacho, also endorsed Fitial and Inos.Haidee V. Eugenio Camacho, other independents back Fitial-Inos http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95095 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-13 2009-11-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308204044/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95095 2012-03-08 dead Former independent candidate Ramon "Kumoi" Deleon Guerrero, who came in fourth place in the general election, endorsed Heinz Hofschneider and Arnold Palacios for governor and lt. governor.Gemma Q. Casas Time for change http://www.mvarietynews.com/cnmi-news/local/21791-time-for-change.html Marianas Variety 2009-11-17 2009-11-23 Deleon Guerrero cited the wishes of his supporters and support for reforms advocated by Hofschneider, as well as alleged broken promises by the Fitial administration, for his endorsement. He further cited similarities between his own campaign and Hofschneider's messages, "Hofschneider and Palacios have whole-heartedly embraced these visions. They have even taken to heart, our campaign theme of "Time For Change." Deleon Guerrero stated that Fitial had failed to deliver on a number of promises during his term in office, such as economic growth, improved healthcare and the removal of fuel surcharges. However, Deleon Guerrero's running mate, former Education Commissioner David Borja, endorsed Governor Fitial for re-election.Haidee V. Eugenio Kumoi backs Heinz; Borja supports Fitial http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95145 Saipan Tribune 2009-11-17 2009-11-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308204052/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95145 2012-03-08 dead Fitial was also endorsed by the Deleon Guerrero-Borja campaign chairman, Rudy R. Sablan, and seven other senior members of the campaign team. On December 8, after all ballots had been counted, Fitial was declared the victor in the runoff. He and Inos received 6,610 votes, while Hofschneider and Palacios received 6,240 votes.Haidee V. Eugenio Fitial seals victory with 370 lead http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=95662 Saipan Tribune 2009-12-08 2009-12-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20110814231428/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=95662&cat=1 2011-08-14 dead 2009 CNMI Run-Off Election Results https://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/archive/97-archive/election-results/122-2009-general-election-run-off-results Commonwealth Election Commission 2023-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20230601114545/https://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/archive/97-archive/election-results/122-2009-general-election-run-off-results 2023-06-01 Results Northern Mariana Islands Gubernatorial Election |- style = "background:#E9E9E9;text-align:center;" !colspan = "2" rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Party !rowspan = "2" style="text-align:left;" | Candidate !rowspan = "2" style="text-align:left;" | Running mate !colspan = "2" | First round !colspan = "2" | Second round |- style = "background:#E9E9E9;text-align:center;" !width = "60" | Votes !width = "30" | % !width = "65" | Votes !width = "30" | % |- |style = "background:Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands)" | |style = "text-align:left;" | Covenant |style = "text-align:left;" | Benigno Repeki Fitial (incumbent) |style = "text-align:left;" | Eulogio "Eloy" Songao Inos (incumbent) | |% | |% |- |style = "background:Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands)" | |style = "text-align:left;" | Republican |style = "text-align:left;" | Heinz Sablan Hofschneider |style = "text-align:left;" | Arnold Indalecio Palacios | |% | |% |- |style = "background:Independent" | |style = "text-align:left;" | Independent |style = "text-align:left;" | Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero |style = "text-align:left;" | Joseph James Norita Camacho | |% |colspan ="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#E9E9E9" | |- |style = "background:Independent" | |style = "text-align:left;" | Independent |style = "text-align:left;" | Ramon "Kumoi" Santos Deleon Guerrero |style = "text-align:left;" | David Muna Borja | |% |- |colspan = "8" style="background:#E9E9E9" | |- !colspan = "4" style="text-align:left;" | Total ! !100% ! !100% |- |colspan = "8" style="background:#E9E9E9" | |- Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature Results summary center|frameless Parties House Election Results Seat Change Party Strength 2007 2009 +/− Strength   Republican 12 9 3 45.00%   Covenant 4 7 3 35.00%   Independent 3 4 1 20.00%   Democratic 1 0 1 0.00% Totals 20 20 100.00% center|frameless Parties Senate Election Results Seat Change Party Strength 2007 2009 +/− Strength   Republican 2 5 3 55.56%   Independent 3 4 1 44.44%   Covenant 3 0 3 0.00%   Democratic 1 0 1 0.00% Totals 9 9 100.00% Senate The Northern Mariana Islands Senate is the upper house of the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature, consisting of nine senators representing three senatorial districts (Saipan & the Northern Islands, Tinian & Aguijan, and Rota), each a Multi-member district with three senators. Six seats in the Northern Mariana Islands Senate were up for 2009 election. Before the 2009 election, the Senate was controlled by the Covenant Party in a coalition with the Democrats and a lone independent. Rota 1st Senatorial District (2 seats) Independent Jovita Maratita Taimanao 578 24.03% Independent Juan Manglona Ayuyu 544 22.62% Independent Joey Anthony Quitugua 489 20.33% Independent Paterno Songao Hocog 436 18.13% Independent Norbert Hocog Mundo 215 8.94% Independent Calista Taimanao Pendergrass 143 5.95% 2,405 100.00% Tinian 2nd Senatorial District (2 seats) Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Francisco Quichuchu Cruz 698 28.51% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jude Untalan Hofschneider (incumbent) 637 26.02% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Joaquin Hoashi Borja 564 23.04% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Joseph Masga Mendiola (incumbent) 549 22.43% 2,448 100.00% Saipan & Northern Islands 3rd Senatorial District (2 seats) Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torress 4,792 24.22% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Pete Pangelinan Reyes (incumbent) 3,269 16.52% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jacinta Matagolai Kaipat 2,947 14.90% Democratic Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Justo Songao Quitugua 2,781 14.06% Independent Christina Marie Sablan 2,430 12.28% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ana Sablan Teregeyo 1,768 8.94% Independent Paul William Camacho 967 4.89% Independent Gregorio Sanchez Cruz 829 4.19% 19,783 100.00% House of Representative All 20 seats in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives were contested in the election. The house has seven districts and five of the seven are Multi-member district. Before the 2009 election, the Republican Party controlled the 20-member House of Representatives with a 12-seat majority. House of Representative - District 1: Saipan (6 seats) Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Diego Tenorio Benavente (incumbent) 2,028 11.93% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Froilan Cruz "Lang" Tenorio 1,671 9.83% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Joseph Pinaula Deleon Guerrero (incumbent) 1,634 9.61% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Antonio Pangelinan Sablan 1,498 8.81% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Joseph Mafnas Palacios 1,494 8.79% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Eliceo Diaz Cabrera 1,485 8.73% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Janet Ulloa Maratita 1,413 8.31% Independent Victoria Tudela Guerrero 1,127 6.63% Independent Raymond Ulloa Palacios 1,126 6.62% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Vicente Camacho Cabrera 993 5.84% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Benjamin Matagolai Cepeda 918 5.40% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Antonia Manibusan Tudela 852 5.01% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Canice Kaipat Taitano 764 4.49% 17,003 100.00% House of Representative - District 2: Saipan (2 seats) Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Raymond Demapan Palacios (incumbent) 494 27.07% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Rafael Sablan Demapan 381 20.88% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Eric Benavente Atalig 347 19.01% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Manuel Agulto Tenorio 323 17.70% Independent Ramon Benavente Aldan 155 8.49% Independent Henry Ayuyu Torres 125 6.85% 1,825 100.00% House of Representative - District 3: Saipan (6 seats) Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ramon Angailen Tebuteb (incumbent) 1,221 9.08% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ray Naraja Yumul (incumbent) 1,197 8.90% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Francisco Santos Dela Cruz (incumbent) 1,151 8.56% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Felicidad Taman Ogumoro 1,140 8.48% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Edmund Joseph Sablan Villagomez 1,079 8.03% Independent Stanley Estanislao Tudela McGinnis Torres (incumbent) 1,078 8.02% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jesus Mareham Elameto 957 7.12% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) David Reyes Maratita 901 6.70% Independent Miguel Atalig Camacho 874 6.50% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Henry Kaipat Rabauliman 864 6.43% Independent Rita Camacho Chong-Dela Cruz 818 6.08% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ramon Sablan Salas 799 5.94% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Daniel Jr. Iwashita Aquino 721 5.36% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jesus Manibusan Castro 644 4.79% 13,444 100.00% House of Representative - District 4: Saipan (2 seats) Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Sylvestre Ilo Iguel 618 23.69% Independent George Norita Camacho 554 21.23% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Juan Reyes Babauta 504 19.32% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Thomas Jesus Camacho 480 18.40% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Francisco Deleon Guerrero Camacho 453 17.36% 2,609 100.00% House of Representative - District 5: Saipan (2 seats) Independent Frederick Peters Deleon Guerrero 775 21.97% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ramon Sablan Basa 664 18.83% Democratic Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jesse David Jones Torres 514 14.57% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jose Sabalan Demapan 450 12.76% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Rosemond Blanco Santos (incumbent) 415 11.77% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Daniel Ogo Quitugua 409 11.60% Independent Joseph Muna Mendiola 172 4.88% Democratic Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Willie Lee Brundidge Jr. 128 3.63% 3,527 100.00% House of Representative - District 6: Tinian (1 seats) Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Trenton Brian Conner 651 54.20% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Edwin Palacios Aldan (incumbent) 550 45.80% 1,201 100.00% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) House of Representative - District 7: Rota (1 seats) Independent Teresita Apatang Santos 695 53.50% Independent Ross Hugh Songao Manglona 604 46.50% 1,299 100.00% Independent Mayors All four mayoral posts were up for election across the Commonwealth. There were nine candidates for mayor on the island of Saipan: Republican Donald Flores, who won the election, as well as Covenant candidate Marian Tudela, Democrat Angelo Villagomez, and Independent candidates Candy Taman, Joe Sanchez, Roman Benavente, Juan Demapan, Tony Camacho and Lino Tenorio. Mayor - Saipan Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Donald Glenn Flores 2,392 22.68% Independent Marian Deleon Guerrero Tudela 1,620 15.36% Democratic Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Angelo O'Connor Villagomez 1,612 15.29% Independent Roman Cepeda Benavente 1,586 15.04% Independent Lino Sablan Tenorio 1,527 14.48% Independent Antonio Muna Camacho 571 5.41% Independent Jose Deleon Guerrero Sanchez (incumbent) 530 5.03% Independent Candido Babauta Taman 420 3.98% Independent Juan Sablan Demapan 287 2.72% 10,545 100.00% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Mayor - Tinian & Aquiguan Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ramon Muna Dela Cruz 696 55.19% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Jose Pangelinan Borja San Nicolas 565 44.81% 1,261 100.00% Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Mayor - Rota Independent Melchor Atalig Mendiola 547 39.47% Independent Victor Borja Hocog 498 35.93% Independent Steve King Mesngon 341 24.60% 1,386 100.00% Independent Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Mayor - Northern Islands Independent Tobias Dela Cruz Aldan 69 50.36% Covenant Party (Northern Mariana Islands) Ramona Taisakan Rebuenog 68 49.64% 137 100.00% Independent Municipal Council Municipal Council - Saipan & Northern Islands Non-partisan democracy Ramon Jose Blas Camacho (incumbent) 6,343 54.29% Non-partisan democracy Eric Demapan Diaz 5,341 45.71% 11,684 100.00% Municipal Council - Tinian & Aguiguan Non-partisan democracy Patrick A. Manglona 701 18.88% Non-partisan democracy Esteven Pangelinan Cabrera 675 18.18% Non-partisan democracy Joseph San Nicolas Cruz 627 16.89% Non-partisan democracy Ignacio Pangelinan Aquiningoc 596 16.05% Non-partisan democracy Eugenio Henry Lizama Villagomez (incumbent) 571 15.38% Non-partisan democracy Eric Henry Cruz San Nicolas 543 14.62% 3,713 100.00% Municipal Council - Rota (non-partisan) Non-partisan democracy Arvin Cabrera Ogo 657 17.91% Non-partisan democracy George Ogo Hocog 511 13.93% Non-partisan democracy Prudencio Atalig Manglona 459 12.51% Non-partisan democracy Brian Manglona Mendiola 405 11.04% Non-partisan democracy Vicente Mesngon Rosario 396 10.79% Non-partisan democracy Gardner Trazan Delos Santos Barcinas 289 7.88% Non-partisan democracy Alfred Maratita Jr. Apatang (incumbent) 263 7.17% Non-partisan democracy Eusebio Mendiola Manglona 254 6.92% Non-partisan democracy Vincent Robert Castro Hocog 190 5.18% Non-partisan democracy Brelinda Atalig Taimanao 168 4.58% Non-partisan democracy John Cabrera Taisacan 77 2.10% 3,669 100.00% Board of education Board of Education - Saipan & Northern Islands (4D) (non-partisan) Non-partisan democracy Herman Tenorio Guerrero 7,625 100.00% 7,625 100.00% Board of Education - Tinian & Aguiguan (non-partisan) Non-partisan democracy Lucia Linda Blanco-Maratita 641 52.28% Non-partisan democracy James Masga Mendiola 585 47.72% 1,226 100.00% Referendums Education system Do you approve of House Legislative Initiative 15-3 to amend Article XV, Section 1(c) and (e) of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands to one member being a high school student – one member selected by the teachers within the Public School System – the selection process of a public school teacher representative shall be established by law – the elected board members shall be limited to two terms – and the public elementary and secondary education system shall be guaranteed an annual budget of not less than 15 percent of the general revenues of the Commonwealth through an annual appropriation? Original textProposed textc) The board of education shall have five members, elected at large on a non-partisan basis as follows: one from the first senatorial district, one from the second senatorial district and three from the third senatorial district. Elected members of the board of education shall serve terms of four years except that the terms of the first members elected shall be determined by drawing of lots with three members serving a term of four years and two members serving a term of two years. The governor shall appoint three nonvoting ex officio members to the board of education: one member shall be a student attending a public school; one member shall be a representative of nonpublic schools; and one member selected by an exclusive bargaining representative of the teachers within the Department of Education Public School System. Elected members of the board shall serve commencing on the second Monday of January in the year following the regular general election at which they were elected.c) The board of education shall have five members, elected at large on a non-partisan basis as follows: one from the first senatorial district, one from the second senatorial district and three from the third senatorial district. Elected members of the board of education shall serve terms of four years except that the terms of the first members elected shall be determined by drawing of lots with three members serving a term of four years and two members serving a term of two years. The governor shall appoint three nonvoting ex officio members to the board of education: one member shall be a high school student attending a public school; one member shall be a representative of nonpublic schools; and one member selected by the teachers within the Public School System. The selection process of a public school teacher representative shall be established by law. Elected members of the board shall serve commencing on the second Monday of January in the year following the regular general election at which they were elected. The elected board members shall be limited to two terms.e) The public elementary and secondary education system shall be guaranteed an annual budget of not less than fifteen percent of the general revenues of the Commonwealth. The budgetary appropriation may not be reprogrammed for other purposes, and any unencumbered fund balance at the end of a fiscal year shall be available for reappropriation.e) The public elementary and secondary education system shall be guaranteed an annual budget of not less than fifteen percent of the general revenues of the Commonwealth through an annual appropriation. The budgetary appropriation may not be reprogrammed for other purposes, and any unencumbered fund balance at the end of a fiscal year shall be available for reappropriation. Results Referendum QuestionsForAgainstTotalvotesRegisteredvotersTurnoutVotes%Votes%Do you approve of House Legislative Initiative 15–3 to amend Article XV, Section 1(c) and (e) of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands to one member being a high school student - one member selected by the teachers within the Public School System - the selection process of a public school teacher representative shall be established by law - the elected board members shall be limited to two terms - and the public elementary and secondary education system shall be guaranteed and annual budget of not less and fifteen percent of the general revenue of the Commonwealth through and annual appropriation?6,40859.27%4,40440.73%10,81216,14666.96%Do you approve of House Legislative Initiative 16–11 to amend Article III, Section 9(a) of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands to prohibit the withdrawal of any funds from the General Fund except by appropriations made by law Article XV, Section 2(a) of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands?6,30958.67%4,44441.33%10,75366.60%Do you approve of the proposed local law by popular initiative, entitled the "Open Government Act of 2007", to amend 1 CMC §9913 to read a follows: "§9913, Legislative Branch: Applicability. The Commonwealth Legislature, including all Commonwealth legislators and the Legislative Bureau, shall be subjected to 1 CMC §9901, et seq. The respective rules and procedures of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Legislative Bureau shall be in compliance with this Chapter."7,33068.61%3,35431.39%10,68466.17%Do you approve of Senate Legislative Initiative 16–11 to amend Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands to hold regular general elections only in even-numbered years?6,16057.07%4,63442.93%10,79466.85% References Northern Mariana Category:Referendums in the Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands Category:November 2009 in Oceania Category:November 2009 in the United States