It's been nearly three weeks into the new term of the 38th Guam Legislature, but democrats have yet to decide who will lead the minority party.

The six democratic senators remain split between former Speaker Therese Terlaje and former Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes.

In an editorial letter, Senator Barnes aired her disappointment in this ongoing impasse while criticizing Senator Terlaje's ability to advocate for all senators of the caucus.

She wrote, “Over the course of her legislative career, the former speaker has lied to and lied about democrat members of the legislature. She has also torpedoed bills from democrats she personally did not agree with, by refusing to hear and report them out of her committee.”

Barnes, who is serving her tenth term, said she feels better positioned to advance the party’s policies and priorities.

She adds a key job of any minority leader is to secure a majority in the next legislative term.

The senator said in part, “Considering the former speaker was the top democrat in the legislature presiding over our party’s first loss in nearly 20 years, her record does not inspire confidence that she will rebuild our reputation and trust with Guam's people.”

The impasse also raised concerns on “how the legislature does business.”

In consultation with the Committee on Rules, she will be introducing resolutions to amend the standing rules to prevent any delays in important decisions that must be made.

She said should the minority leader position remain vacant, these resolutions will allow for expenditures to be approved and for democrat members to be appointed to the committee on ethics and standards.

Barnes adds if this solution is not enough for those supporting Terlaje for the role, she will step down and support another candidate.

KUAM reached out to Senator Terlaje for comment.