Who wants to be a senator?

The supposedly united but seemingly disintegrating Republican Party is searching anew for a senatorial candidate for the municipality of Saipan. This developed after both GOP aspirants have backed out. First, former rep. Benjamin A. Sablan backed out in the interest of unity when Rep. Stanley T. Torres (I-Precinct 3), the other aspirant sought a primary to decide who will be the GOP's senatorial candidate. Paving the way for a senate run for Torres, Sablan gracefully bowed out of contention. But as we reported earlier, Torres then flip-flopped and also bowed of the senate race and will instead seek re-election for his precinct 3 house seat as a republican candidate.

The lone senate seat up for grabs is currently held by Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo (D-Saipan). The incumbent senator will seek re-election as an independent candidate after the Democrats ousted him from the party on the grounds of disloyalty. Instead, the Democrats will field its former party chairman, Gabriel Babauta. The Covenant Party has yet to finalize its slate, but Department of Public Lands employee Ramon Dela Cruz is reportedly seeking the party's nomination.

Unconfirmed reports have also reached our newsroom that former representative and former Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Claudio K. Norita will be running for senate as an independent candidate too. Norita was the Covenant Party unsuccessful senatorial candidate in the last general election placing second behind incumbent senators Pete P. Reyes and Maria "Frica" T. Pangelinan. Norita also led the transition of power for then newly-elected governor Benigno R. Fitial and lt. governor Timothy P. Villagomez. Last year, the administration pushed for the hiring of Norita to lead the ports authority as its new executive director. Citing policy differences, the CPA board and Norita parted ways when Norita resigned from the agency a few months ago.

Who will it be? Get ready Saipan, the decision is in your hands!