Benigno Fitial

Last updated

Governor Benigno Fitial announced in March 2009 that he would seek re-election to a second term in November. [26]

On June 12, 2009, Fitial presided over Covenant Party midterm rally in Susupe with an estimated crowd of approximately 3,000 people in attendance. [27] Fitial and Inos officially filed to run for re-election with the CNMI Election Commission on July 23, 2009, in the presence of nearly 200 family and supporters. [27] In the November 2009 gubernatorial election, Fitial was challenged by the Republican nominee, Heinz Hofschneider, as well as independent candidates Juan Pan Guerrero and Ramon "Kumoi" Guerrero. In March 2009, Fitial had publicly stated that he will retire from politics if his re-election bid was unsuccessful. [28] In the general election, Hofschneider led Fitial by just 8 votes; because none of the candidates won a majority, a runoff between Hofschneider and Fitial was triggered. [29] [30] Fitial won the runoff by 370 votes and therefore was re-elected. [31] Due to a newly ratified legislative initiative, Fitial was expected to serve a five-year term, as the next gubernatorial election would now be held in 2014. [31]

Impeachment

Fitial became the first governor in any US insular area and the 13th in the history of the nation to be impeached (February 11, 2013). [1] The CNMI House of Representatives pre-filed 18 Articles of Impeachment against Fitial on the day of their Inauguration (January 14, 2013). [32] They voted to adopt 13 of the Articles of Impeachment on February 11, 2013, and adopted the remaining 5 Articles of Impeachment on February 12, 2013. All 18 charges were transmitted to the Senate where Fitial would have stood trial had he not resigned.

House Votes:

Benigno Fitial
Benigno Fitial 2009.jpg
Fitial in 2009
7th Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
In office
January 9, 2006 –February 20, 2013
ChargeYesNoAbstain
Article 1Commission of Felony1640
Article 2Commission of Felony1640
Article 3Commission of Felony1640
Article 4Commission of Felony1640
Article 5Corruption1640
Article 6Corruption1640
ChargeYesNoAbstain
Article 7Corruption1640
Article 8Corruption1640
Article 9Corruption1640
Article 10Neglect1631
Article 11Neglect1640
Article 12Neglect1640
ChargeYesNoAbstain
Article 13Neglect1640
Article 14Neglect1640
Article 15Neglect1541
Article 16Neglect1631
Article 17Neglect1640
Article 18Neglect1640

"No" votes: Minority leader George Camacho (R-Saipan), Reps. Felicidad Ogumoro (R-Saipan), Teresita Santos (R-Rota), and Richard Seman (R-Saipan) === except for Article 10 - Rep. George Camacho abstained due to conflict.

"Yes" votes: House Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero (IR-Saipan), Vice Speaker Frank Dela Cruz (IR-Saipan), floor leader Ralph Demapan (Cov-Saipan), Reps. Antonio Agulto (IR-Saipan), Anthony Benavente (IR-Saipan), Roman Benavente (IR-Saipan), Trenton Conner (Ind-Tinian), Lorenzo Deleon Guerrero (IR-Saipan), Cris Leon Guerrero (Cov-Saipan), Janet Maratita (IR-Saipan), John P. Sablan (Cov-Saipan), Tony Sablan (IR-Saipan), Mario Taitano (IR-Saipan), Ray Tebuteb (IR-Saipan), Edmund Villagomez (Cov-Saipan), and Ralph Yumul (IR-Saipan) === except for Article 15 - Rep. Roman Benavente abstained unknown reasons.

Career prior to governorship

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juan Babauta</span> Northern Mariana Islander politician

Juan Nekai Babauta is a Northern Mariana Islander politician who served as the sixth governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from January 14, 2002, to January 9, 2006.

The Covenant Party was a political party in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) advocating governmental and financial reform. It was named after the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, Act of Mar. 24, 1976, Pub. L. 94-241, 90 Stat. 263, codified as amended at 48 U.S.C. § 1801 note. In the legislative elections of 2003, the Covenant Party won nine of eighteen seats. The party mostly made up of members from the Republican Party, but many prominent Democrats would also join the party. In the 2005 general elections, the Covenant Party increased its position as one of the strongest parties in the Commonwealth when Benigno R. Fitial, the party's gubernatorial candidate, won the election. The Covenant Party won seven of eighteen seats in the commonwealth's House of Representatives and three of nine seats in its Senate. In the Commonwealth Legislature 2007 elections, the Covenant Party won only four of twenty seats in the House of Representatives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republican Party (Northern Mariana Islands)</span> Northern Mariana Islands affiliate of the Republican Party

The CNMI Republican Party is a political party in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Northern Mariana Islands Republican Party is now associated with the United States Republican Party though no Northern Mariana Islands politicians have achieved high-ranking positions in the mainland United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span>

The 2005 Northern Mariana Islands general election was held on Saturday, 5 November 2005. Voters in the Northern Mariana Islands voted for the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, the non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives, attorney general, 6 seats in the Northern Mariana Islands Senate, all eighteen seats in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives, 3 mayors, seats for the municipal council, seats for the board of education, 2 justices, and a judges. There was also a referendum on calling a Constitutional Convention, which was approved by voters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 United States gubernatorial elections</span>

United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 3, 2009, in the states of New Jersey and Virginia, as well as in the U.S. commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on November 7, 2009. Both state governorships were previously held by Democrats elected in 2005, and both were won by Republicans in 2009; the local Covenant Party maintained control of the governorship of the Marianas. These elections formed part of the 2009 United States elections. As of 2024, this is the last election after which the Democratic party held a majority of governorships.

The following table indicates the party of elected officials in the United States insular area of the Northern Mariana Islands:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span>

The 2009 Northern Mariana Islands general election were held on Saturday, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eloy Inos</span> Northern Marianas politician

Eulogio "Eloy" Songao Inos was a Northern Marianan politician who served as the eighth governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2013 to 2015. Inos, a member of the Republican Party, also served as the eighth lieutenant governor from 2009 to 2013.

Rita Hocog Inos was a Northern Mariana Island educator, activist and politician. Inos was the former Education Commissioner of the Northern Marianas school system and served on the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents. Inos was a two-time candidate for Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, becoming the first woman to seek election to that particular office.

Heinz Sablan Hofschneider is a politician from the Northern Mariana Islands. Hofschneider served as the Speaker of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives from 2002 to 2004 and is a four-time candidate for Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Jesus "Jesse" Camacho Borja is a Northern Mariana Islander politician and lawyer who served as the fourth lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from January 10, 1994 until January 12, 1998 under former Democratic Governor Froilan Tenorio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diego Benavente</span> Northern Mariana Islands politician

Diego Tenorio Benavente is a Northern Mariana Islander politician who served as the sixth lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from January 14, 2002 to January 9, 2006, under former Governor Juan Babauta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span>

The 2014 Northern Mariana Islands general election were held on Tuesday, 4 November, 2014. The election coincided with the 2014 United States midterm elections. Voters in the Northern Mariana Islands voted for the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, the non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives, attorney general, 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 involving changes to the constitution was held.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Northern Mariana Islands gubernatorial election</span> Election for the governorship of Northern Mariana Islands

The 2014 Northern Mariana Islands gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 2014, to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. As no candidate received a majority of the vote, a run-off election was held 14 days later. Incumbent Republican Governor Eloy Songao Inos and running mate Ralph DLG. Torres were elected. Inos, who served as lieutenant governor from 2009 to 2013, first became Governor following the resignation of his predecessor, Benigno Fitial.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ralph Torres</span> Northern Marianan politician (R), former governor of the Northern Mariana Islands

Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres is a Northern Marianan politician, who served as the ninth governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, from December 29, 2015, to January 9, 2023. He is a Republican from Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The third longest-serving governor in CNMI history, Torres took office upon the death of Governor Eloy Inos on December 29, 2015, before being reelected as governor in his own right in 2018. He previously served as the tenth lieutenant governor, having been elected to that post in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Northern Mariana Islands gubernatorial election</span>

The 2018 Northern Mariana gubernatorial election took place on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, to elect the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands to a four-year term in office. Incumbent Republican governor Ralph Torres, who ascended to governorship in December 2015 following the death of Governor Eloy Inos, sought election to a full term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Northern Mariana Islands gubernatorial election</span>

The 2022 Northern Mariana gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2022 to elect the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands and the lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands to a four-year term in office. Because no candidate received 50% of the vote in the general election, the two highest-placing candidates advanced to a runoff election on November 25, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David M. Apatang</span> Northern Mariana Islands politician (born 1948)

David Mundo Apatang is a Northern Mariana Islander politician who is serving as the 13th lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands since 2023. He previously served as the mayor of Saipan from January 12, 2015 to January 8, 2023. As a Republican, Apatang formerly served in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. Apatang was elected lieutenant governor of the Northern Mariana Islands in the 2022 election on an independent ticket headed by Arnold Palacios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2001 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span>

The 2001 Northern Mariana Islands general election was held on Saturday, 3 November 2001, electing the governor and members to the legislature. The 2001 elections marked the last general election that the dissolved Reform Party, which merged back into the Democratic Party in 2002, would appear on the ballot. Despite the economic hardships experienced under Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio's Administration, the apparent strength the 1999 general elections signaled that the Democratic Party and its splinter Reform Party had, and the newly formed Covenant Party which was formed as a splinter party from the ruling Republican Party, Republican candidate Juan Nekai Babauta won with a landslide in the four-way race. Benigno Repeki Fitial's newly formed Covenant Party landed a distant yet sizable second place. Jesus Borja of the Democratic Party won a distant third and Froilan Tenorio of the Reform Party placed fourth.

References

  1. 1 2 "Marianas Variety - IMPEACHED!". Archived from the original on 2013-02-14.
  2. 1 2 Eugenio, Haidee V. (2011-01-08). "Fitial now back to Republican Party, Governor's end goal to merge Covenant with GOP". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-03-23. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
  3. ↑ "House resolution" (PDF). cnmileg.gov.mp. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  4. ↑ "Marianas Variety - New governor, lt. governor". Archived from the original on 2013-02-22.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Casas, Gemma Q. (2009-09-28). "Fitial, Inos hold rally". Marianas Variety . Archived from the original on 2015-05-24. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  6. ↑ "Distinguished Alumni" Archived July 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  7. 1 2 "Sbobet, Poker, Togel, Judi Bola, Casino". Pacificislands.cc. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  8. ↑ Zotomayor, Alexie (December 5, 2012). "2010 Census: More Asians than Pacific Islanders in NMI". Marianas Variety. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  9. ↑ Zotomayor, Alexie (6 December 2012). "Census: 49.36% of residents born in NMI". Marianas Variety. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  10. 1 2 "Governor Spouse's Information, Josie Fitial". National Governors Association . Archived from the original on 2008-09-13. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  11. ↑ Casas, Gemma Q. (2009-05-05). "From waiting tables to meeting 3 US presidents". Marianas Variety . Retrieved 2009-07-18.
  12. 1 2 "REPORT: ABRAMOFF TRIED TO TURN CNMI ELECTION - June 27, 2006". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2006-12-05.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hernandez, Criselda B. (2005). "Politics: 4-Way Gubernatorial Election Heats Up". Islands Business . Archived from the original on 2012-02-23. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  14. ↑ "Lt. Governor Not Committed To Running For Re-Election, Report Says". Marianas Variety . Pacific Magazine. 2008-07-03. Retrieved 2008-07-02.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. ↑ Deposa, Moneth (2009-08-11). "Dr. Rita Inos, 55, dies of cancer". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  16. ↑ "GOP IN LANDSLIDE CNMI VICTORY: BABAUTA GOVERNOR | Pacific Islands Report". Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  17. ↑ "CNMI election outcome hinges on absentee ballots yet to be counted". Radio New Zealand International . 2005-11-07. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  18. ↑ "New look for Fitial Cabinet". Archived from the original on 23 May 2006. Retrieved 23 June 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  19. ↑ "Marianas Variety On-Line Edition". Archived from the original on 14 May 2006.
  20. ↑ "FITIAL INITIATIVES RAISE QUESTIONS IN CNMI". Marianas Variety. 2006-02-03. Archived from the original on 2011-05-17. Retrieved 2009-05-27.
  21. ↑ Casas, Gemma Q. "NEW CARS FOR GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT IN CNMI". Marianas Variety. Archived from the original on 2008-11-23. Retrieved 2009-05-27.
  22. ↑ "CNMI Governor Recoverning from Back Surgery". East West Center . 2006-11-01. Archived from the original on 2011-06-16. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  23. 1 2 3 Eaton, Kristi (2000-04-27). "Villagomez resigns". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  24. ↑ Eaton, Kristi (2000-04-28). "Fitial appoints Inos as lt. gov; Senate could vote tomorrow". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  25. 1 2 Casas, Gemma Q. (2000-05-04). "New CNMI Lieutenant Governor Confirmed". East West Center . Marianas Variety News & Views. Archived from the original on 2011-06-16. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  26. ↑ Rabago, Mark (2009-01-07). "Kumoi launches bid for gubernatorial post". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2009-10-13.
  27. 1 2 Deposa, Moneth (2009-07-28). "Ben & Eloy files election candidacy". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  28. ↑ "CNMI Governor to quit politics if he loses November election". Radio New Zealand International . 2009-03-16. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
  29. ↑ Eugenio, Haidee V. (2009-11-09). "Independents to seal Heinz or Fitial victory". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  30. ↑ Eugenio, Haidee V. (2009-11-23). "CNMI holds first runoff election". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2012-01-12. Retrieved 2009-11-23.
  31. 1 2 Eugenio, Haidee V. (2009-12-08). "Fitial seals victory with 370 lead". Saipan Tribune . Archived from the original on 2011-08-14. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
  32. ↑ "Saipan Tribune". Archived from the original on 2013-01-27. Retrieved 2013-02-13.
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands
2006–2013		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.