CNMI Governor Ralph Torres breaks his silence on a potential federal investigation involving his administration and the exclusive deal between the Commonwealth and a casino. KUAM News sat down with the Republican gubernatorial ticket to discuss the campaign and challenges on the trail.

Torres said, "I can take all the criticism, but when I wake up I am going to be up there, first with the first responders to protect the community." Governor Torres says he’s led the NMI through typhoons and the pandemic at the frontline. But the Republican governor has also weathered political firestorms since he sat in the executive chair starting in 2015. KUAM sat down with Torres and his running mate Senator Vinnie Sablan for a half-hour interview about their campaign, discussing their platform and vision for the Commonwealth.

We also asked the governor about the impact of a potential federal investigation into his administration. It’s been three years since the FBI raided Torres’ office, home, brothers' law firm, and the offices of Imperial Pacific International. In recent weeks, the FBI has subpoenaed at least one member of his cabinet to appear before a federal grand jury related to the origins of that exclusive casino deal.

Asked if he was concerned about any potential federal investigations, he responded, "Well, if it comes, it comes. But I am not going to not sleep over it and worry about it when I have work to be done. He added, "You are asking me, am I worried? Am I worried now? They raided my house…it’s going on three years. So I am a governor now and I want to make sure I do what I need to do and protect the community and give opportunities for everybody."

Torres is running against sitting Lt. Gov. Palacios, who turned independent, and House Democrat Tina Sablan -- both of whom have criticized his office and played a role in the legislative investigation that led to his impeachment this year. His running mate recused himself from the Senate trial.

Sen. Sablan said, "The governor has been investigated by every investigative body that you can find here from the FBI, AG, and all that. We respect that process. I know he respects that process but it has been 3 years, over 3 years, and I am not sure what has come out of it. But what I am sure of is that action has been taken place and it continues and for us as legislators as elected officials to really put in energy, to things like that, like getting someone investigated or negativity, I think that should not be the focus. The focus should be doing work for the people. The focus should be trying to find what can improve the quality of life of our people."

That focus now sharpens weeks away from November. They say their administration will prioritize retirees, improve the hospital, and expand the economy. It’s now the calm before the storm before voters head to the polls.

"You want to talk about someone that has weathered the storm? This is it," said Torres. "You’re looking at him."