Crossover

Politics in the Marianas is usually unusual. Reports have quoted GOP precinct 3 club chairman Skep Palacios that a current independent lawmaker will fill one of its six slots for the lower house. Palacios refused to divulge the identity, but sources close to them have indicated the high likelihood that the lawmaker is Rep. Ray N. Yumul. The only other independent lawmaker is Rep. Stanley T. Torres, but he will be the GOP's candidate for the lone Saipan senatorial seat. Yumul, a second-term lawmaker first won a seat in the lower house under the ruling Covenant Party. Shortly after beginning his rookie term, Yumul was deployed to active duty service in Iraq. Because of his active duty status, Yumul had to run for re-election as an independent candidate although clearly aligned with the Covenant Party. A falling out reportedly ensued during the caucus to elect the officers of the 15th legislature. Yumul reportedly was seeking the vice-speakership, but the Covenant Party lawmakers endorsed Democrat Justo S. Quitugua in order to grasp a solid majority over the Republicans.

Then there's the outspoken Rep. Absalon Waki Jr. The Covenant Party representative from precinct 3 is also reportedly considering bolting the party to seek re-election as an independent candidate. Waki reportedly feels like he has lost a sense of belonging to the ruling party as on more than one occassion, they have failed to see eye-to-eye on several issues.

What is surely losing its sense of belonging is "partyhood". Party principles used to be at the forefront of one's association with a political party. As time has gone by, party affiliation has now become more of a popularity contest --- a party of glitz, glamour and confetti. What happened to principles? What happened to common goals? Our future should not depend of the flashiest billboards or the loudest campaign jingle. It should depend on sensible solutions and established principles. It should depend on effective and true leadership. Wake up Marianas!