Democrats still without gubernatorial team; set first village meeting

by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - The Central Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Guam met Thursday evening to continue discussion on whether the party will form a gubernatorial ticket to challenge Governor Eddie Calvo and Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio in this year's general election.

It was two weeks ago when the party set a deadline for February 5 for anyone within the party to state their intentions of running for Governor of Guam. Tonight, party chairman Rory Respicio told CEC members that he did not receive any feedback from any candidates.

Former Governor Carl Gutierrez meanwhile has long been rumored to be the party's frontrunner to lead the ticket to Adelup, as discussed in the party's past meetings. CEC member Rosie Tainatongo, who had been assigned as the special envoy between Gutierrez and the party, told members that Gutierrez has not made any commitment that he is going to run. 

"We all know Carl Gutierrez and we all know that he is really loyal to help the party and we know he would not let the party go without a candidate for the general election," she said.

For Respicio, he took this as a blessing and that the party will move forward adding he's not discouraged saying "the democrats are getting our house in order and preparing for the fight of our lives."

No specific action was taken as to what the next step would be, but the party did announce the kickoff of its listening tour within the villages will start this month. A motion was also made and passed to make the standard for these village meetings to only feature soup, sandwiches, water and iced tea dispensed from a cooler to ease the burden on the hosting CEC member. Respicio says one or two teams could very well step forward during this listening tour. The first meeting is set for Thursday, February 20 at the residence of Tony Quichocho at House 669 Old Agat Route 2 starting at 6pm.