What’s up with 35th Legislature leadership?

Legislative Democrats continue to hold caucus meetings to determine leadership for the 35th Guam Legislature – but one senator confirms there may be some major shake-ups at the Guam Congress Hall.
A source at the Legislature tells KUAM News current Democratic caucus talks are centering on Senator-elect Tina Muna Barnes as Speaker, Senator Telena Nelson as Vice Speaker, Senator-elect Amanda Shelton as Legislative Secretary and Senator Regine Biscoe Lee as Committee on Rules Chair.
“That’s been the discussion,” Democrat Senator Joe San Agustin tells KUAM News. “They’re leaning towards Tina, but ain’t nothing guaranteed until the end of the day.”

Senator Biscoe Lee declined to comment on the caucus meetings, but San Agustin confirmed that Muna Barnes, Nelson, Shelton are in the mix for top leadership positions. Top Senatorial vote-getter and Acting Speaker Therese Terlaje has said she would like to remain as the Speaker. “There was a rumor I wanted to be Speaker, and of course Acting Speaker Terlaje has said she wanted it too,” San Agustin said. “There’s still a serious debate on all the leadership positions. As we’re moving along – saying you’re going to get a position – that could change by the time we’re done.”

The 35th Legislature will be sworn in on January 7, 2019.
San Agustin said while there hasn’t been any “fighting” in the caucus, talks have been intense.

“There intelligent discussion and debate but there is no fight among the ten – there’s serious discussion, but no fighting,” he said.

In addition to the caucus talks, San Agustin said there is also wheeling and dealing going on outside of caucus meetings.

“There is sideline discussion going,” San Agustin said.